Head of Design & Build Director, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design & Build Director, Water UK&I

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom (with potential for Basingstoke)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Business Development / Water Sector Leadership

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic growth and market penetration within the contractor-led Design & Build (D&B) segment of the UK&I Water sector, a key focus for AECOM's Water business.

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive market strategy, collaborating closely with senior leadership to identify, pursue, and secure high-value infrastructure opportunities.

• Foster and manage strong, collaborative partnerships with Design and Build contractors, positioning AECOM as the preferred consultancy partner for major water projects.

• Oversee the successful delivery of complex D&B water projects, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, adherence to SH&E standards, and alignment with AECOM's global objectives.

• Champion AECOM's values, including a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and contribute to fostering a positive and engaging work environment for a multidisciplinary team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within AECOM's Water UK&I business, focused on a specific market segment (Design & Build contractors). The emphasis is on strategic growth, commercial acumen, and strong client/partner relationships rather than day-to-day project engineering or operational execution. The role requires a blend of business development, strategic leadership, and project oversight within the highly regulated and investment-driven UK water industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust market strategy specifically targeting the Design and Build (D&B) contractor segment within the UK&I Water sector, aligning with the overall Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

• Collaborate with Client Account Managers and Business Directors to identify, track, and qualify new D&B opportunities, ensuring proactive engagement and timely entry into business planning and pursuit systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor community through effective internal and external communication of capabilities, market strategy, and successful project delivery.

• Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with key Design and Build contractors and designers to facilitate targeted pursuit of significant framework agreements and individual projects.

• Drive exceptional client and partner satisfaction by actively engaging in performance monitoring, implementing improvement actions informed by feedback mechanisms like Net Promoter Score (NPS), and ensuring delivery excellence.

• Lead the recruitment, development, and management of high-performing leadership and multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring adequate resourcing for medium and long-term needs.

• Oversee bid governance and the Go/No-Go process for major contractor-led projects, providing strategic direction and support for smaller pursuits to maximize win rates.

• Champion and embed AECOM's Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring robust implementation of policies and procedures to achieve core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

• Promote AECOM's values, including a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), fostering a workplace that celebrates unique talents and backgrounds and encourages employee engagement and continuous professional development.

• Collaborate with global and European AECOM teams to leverage expertise, share best practices, and deliver integrated, multidisciplinary solutions for complex water infrastructure challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on business development, strategic market engagement, and partner relationship management, which are critical for a Director-level role driving growth in a specific market segment like Design & Build. The emphasis on bid governance and SH&E underscores the accountability for high-stakes projects within a regulated industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is typically expected. A Master's degree or professional chartership (e.g., CEng) would be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or a key supplier within the water sector. Proven success in leading and growing businesses, developing strategic plans, and managing commercial aspects of major projects.

Required Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier.

• Proven success in building and leading leadership teams and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, key contractors, and wider European socio-political and economic drivers.

• Demonstrated ability to provide growth-focused leadership, including talent development and coaching.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, including framework agreements and major project procurement.

• Track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and growing existing contracts.

• Strong client and partner relationship management capabilities.

• Solid attention to detail with experience delivering effective health & safety initiatives.

• Experienced in motivating and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the Design & Build (D&B) delivery model in the water sector.

• Deep understanding of water industry investment cycles, regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ofwat), and procurement routes.

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders within client organizations and partner companies.

• Experience with digital transformation initiatives within the water infrastructure lifecycle.

• Strong presentation and public speaking skills for external market engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards leadership, commercial acumen, and deep sector knowledge, aligning with a Director-level strategic growth role. The emphasis on D&B experience and UK/Ireland water market specifics is crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of strategic market growth initiatives and their quantifiable impact on revenue or market share within the water sector.

• Case studies demonstrating successful leadership of major Design & Build water projects, highlighting AECOM's role and contribution.

• Examples of established and leveraged strategic partnerships with contractors and other key industry players.

• Demonstrations of commercial acumen, including experience with bid governance, contract negotiation, and framework management.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of processes for identifying, evaluating, and pursuing Design & Build opportunities within the water sector.

• Frameworks for managing bid governance, including Go/No-Go decision-making processes for large-scale projects.

• Methodologies for performance monitoring and client satisfaction improvement, potentially referencing NPS or similar metrics.

• Strategies for resource planning and team development to meet evolving market demands.

• Protocols for embedding SH&E and EDI principles into project delivery and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be a strict requirement for this senior role, candidates will be expected to articulate their experience and strategic contributions through their CV, cover letter, and interview discussions. The emphasis is on demonstrating strategic impact, commercial success, and leadership in driving growth within the D&B water market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior leadership nature of this role (Director level), the significant strategic responsibility, and the location in London, a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar Director-level roles in major infrastructure consultancies in the UK, a salary range of £120,000 - £180,000 per annum is anticipated. This would be supplemented by a significant bonus structure, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits:

• Competitive bonus structure linked to individual and business performance.

• Generous car allowance or company car provision.

• Comprehensive private medical insurance, including dental and optical coverage.

• Life assurance and critical illness cover.

• Generous pension scheme contribution.

• Flexible hybrid working model, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

• Opportunities for professional development through AECOM University, technical practice networks, and external training.

• Paid volunteering days to support community initiatives.

• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being support.

• Potential for international travel and collaboration within AECOM's global network.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership nature and client-facing responsibilities, flexibility will be required, with expectations for availability outside core hours to meet business needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for Director-level roles in the UK infrastructure consulting sector, considering AECOM's standing as a major global firm and the strategic importance of this role. Benefits are standard for senior positions in large multinational corporations, with a focus on well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting industry, a critical sector supporting public and private development in areas such as transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. The Water UK&I business specifically focuses on delivering sustainable solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale provides significant resources, a broad range of expertise, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, but also necessitates strong leadership to navigate its matrixed structure.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, evolving through various acquisitions and mergers, with its current form dating back to 2000. Its legacy is built on delivering complex projects and solving global infrastructure challenges for generations.

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high level of visibility and strategic input.

• Collaboration will be extensive with other Business Directors (Strategy & Growth, Commercial), as well as global and European Water and Contractor Market teams.

• The role leads a significant segment of the Water UK&I business, likely managing a team of senior professionals, business development managers, and project leaders.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-led approach to performance improvements and strategic decision-making.

• The company promotes collaborative working, both internally across disciplines and externally with clients and partners.

• A strong focus on delivering sustainable solutions and addressing complex infrastructure challenges is central to AECOM's methodology.

• The organization champions innovation and the adoption of digital technologies to enhance project delivery and client value.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description as a "global infrastructure consulting firm" with "over 50,000 professionals" underscores the scale and complexity of the organization. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and tackling "complex challenges" sets a tone for ambitious, impact-driven work. The Water UK&I business is a significant part of this, and this role is positioned to drive growth within a specific, high-investment market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, signifying a senior leadership role responsible for a specific business unit or market segment. It requires strategic vision, significant commercial responsibility, and the ability to lead and influence large, multidisciplinary teams. The scope is national (UK&I) with global collaboration expectations.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it at a high level within the organizational hierarchy and close to executive decision-making. This provides direct access to strategic discussions and influence over business direction.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build Director has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue growth, market position, and profitability within the critical UK&I Water sector. Success in this role contributes significantly to AECOM's overall mission of delivering a better world through infrastructure development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader regional or global leadership roles within AECOM's Water business or other business lines.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to shape AECOM's long-term strategy for the Design & Build market, influencing investment, resource allocation, and service offerings.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various AECOM business groups, enhancing understanding of the broader infrastructure consulting landscape.

• Mentorship & Development: Opportunities to mentor emerging leaders and contribute to the development of talent within AECOM's extensive network, potentially through AECOM University programs.

• Industry Influence: Build a strong professional network and influence within the UK water industry, contributing to industry best practices and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career milestone, offering influence, strategic responsibility, and a clear path for further advancement within a major global firm. The focus on market growth and strategic partnerships is a key differentiator for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates on a hybrid work model. This typically involves a blend of working from AECOM offices (e.g., London - Aldgate Tower, or Basingstoke) and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, client meetings, and team engagement.

Office Location(s): Primary location is London (Aldgate Tower), with Basingstoke also mentioned as an alternative. These are major commercial hubs providing excellent connectivity and access to clients and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are likely equipped with modern meeting spaces, hot-desking facilities, and areas designed for team collaboration, essential for strategy development and project planning.

• Technology Integration: Access to AECOM's robust IT infrastructure, including advanced communication tools, project management software, and digital collaboration platforms, will be standard.

• Professional Networking: The hybrid model allows for intentional in-person interactions with colleagues, fostering team cohesion and enabling spontaneous knowledge sharing and problem-solving sessions crucial for operations leadership.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour week. However, the hybrid nature and senior leadership responsibilities necessitate flexibility. Employees are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project demands, client needs, and strategic objectives, often involving availability beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, offering flexibility while emphasizing the need for intentional collaboration and in-person engagement for strategic leadership roles. The office locations in London and Basingstoke are significant commercial centers in the UK.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter by a recruiter to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly leadership experience and water sector knowledge.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to delve into your strategic approach, leadership philosophy, commercial acumen, and understanding of the D&B contractor market. Expect questions on market strategy, partnership building, and team leadership.

• Panel Interview: Likely to involve senior leaders from the Water business and potentially other relevant departments (e.g., Commercial, Strategy). This stage will focus on your ability to articulate a clear growth plan, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and demonstrate your fit with AECOM's culture.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potentially): You may be asked to prepare and present a strategic plan for growing AECOM's D&B contractor business, or to discuss a past success in a similar context. This would assess your strategic thinking, communication, and ability to translate vision into actionable steps.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with higher-level executives, to confirm suitability and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on quantifiable achievements. For growth initiatives, present data on revenue increases, market share gains, or successful framework wins.

• Leadership Narrative: Showcase your experience in building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams, especially in complex, matrixed environments.

• Commercial Expertise: Highlight your experience in commercial management, contract negotiation, bid governance, and securing major contracts. Use specific examples of frameworks or large projects won.

• Market Acumen: Articulate your deep understanding of the UK&I water sector, its key players (contractors), and the socio-economic drivers influencing it.

• Partnership Building: Provide examples of how you have forged and managed strategic relationships with contractors and designers.

• Presentation Clarity: Structure your experience logically, emphasizing achievements and strategic contributions rather than just listing responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Growth Plan: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing and executing a growth strategy for AECOM's D&B contractor business. Consider key market trends, competitive landscape, and AECOM's strengths.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would build and maintain strong relationships with major contractors, address potential conflicts or challenges, and ensure AECOM's value proposition is consistently communicated.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing diverse teams, fostering EDI, driving performance, and upholding safety standards in a senior leadership context.

• Commercial Strategy: Be ready to discuss your approach to bid governance, risk management, and securing profitable contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, commercial leadership, and proven ability to drive growth in a competitive market. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategic vision and demonstrate concrete examples of past successes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and forecasting sales pipeline.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with enterprise-level project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for oversight of large-scale projects and programs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and SharePoint for communication, collaboration, and document management within a hybrid and global environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for analyzing market data, tracking KPIs, and generating performance reports for senior leadership.

• Financial Management Systems: Understanding of financial reporting and analysis tools for managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and assessing project profitability.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales & Opportunity Tracking Tools: Advanced use of CRM features for opportunity management, pipeline forecasting, and sales process automation.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with robust document control and management systems for project-related documentation and contractual agreements.

• Integration Platforms (Conceptual): While not directly responsible for implementation, an understanding of how different systems (CRM, ERP, Project Management) integrate to provide a holistic view of business operations is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a leadership role, a strong understanding of the technologies that enable effective business development, project oversight, and data-driven decision-making is crucial. Familiarity with enterprise-level CRM and BI tools is particularly important for tracking growth and performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: A core value driving all AECOM activities, emphasizing the positive impact of infrastructure on society and the environment. For this role, it translates to leading projects that are sustainable, resilient, and enhance communities.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and internal operations. This is fundamental for building trust with contractors and stakeholders.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A commitment to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents. This role is expected to champion EDI within their team and influence across the organization.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, embracing digital transformation, and seeking creative solutions to complex infrastructure challenges.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in project delivery, client service, and professional conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Environment Navigation: Ability to work effectively across different business units, geographies, and functional teams, building consensus and driving alignment.

• Partnership Focus: Proactive engagement with external partners (contractors, designers) to foster strong, collaborative working relationships based on mutual trust and shared objectives.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and open dialogue within the team and with stakeholders to ensure clear communication of strategy, progress, and challenges.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform strategic choices, performance evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on "delivering a better world" and "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" are central cultural pillars. This role is expected to embody these values, particularly in leading diverse teams and fostering inclusive partnerships with contractors.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The water sector is highly competitive, with established players and new entrants vying for Design & Build opportunities. Staying ahead requires continuous innovation and strong client relationships.

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and gaining support from various stakeholders across a large, global organization can be challenging but is key to success.

• Driving Change: Implementing new strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a large, established company requires strong leadership and change management skills.

• Resource Management: Balancing the demand for resources with availability and ensuring the right talent is in place for complex, high-profile projects.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technology: The water sector is subject to evolving regulatory requirements and rapidly advancing technologies, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Programs: Access to AECOM's leadership development initiatives and executive coaching to hone strategic planning and stakeholder management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend leading water industry events, network with peers, and stay abreast of market trends and technological advancements.

• Cross-Business Unit Exposure: Potential to gain experience in other AECOM business lines or international markets, broadening expertise and career horizons.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior executives within AECOM or to mentor junior talent, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Specialized Training: Access to training and certifications relevant to advanced water technologies, digital solutions, or modern project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant leadership challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. The ability to navigate complexity and drive strategic initiatives is paramount.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and executing a market growth strategy for a specific segment like Design & Build in the water sector." (Focus on market analysis, partnership development, sales pipeline management, and resource allocation.)

• "How would you build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with major Design & Build contractors as AECOM's Head of D&B?" (Discuss communication strategies, value proposition articulation, conflict resolution, and long-term partnership vision.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about AECOM and this specific role within our Water UK&I business?" (Showcase your research into AECOM's mission, values, and current projects.)

• "How do you foster a culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within your teams and in external partnerships?" (Provide specific examples of your leadership in this area.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your experience around key achievements related to strategic growth, commercial success, leadership, and D&B project delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for concrete examples.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., percentage increase in revenue, value of contracts secured, team performance improvements).

• Highlight D&B Expertise: Clearly articulate your understanding of the Design & Build delivery model and your experience working with or leading D&B projects.

• Showcase Partnership Skills: Provide examples of how you have built and managed successful relationships with contractors and other key stakeholders.

• Vision for AECOM: Conclude by articulating your vision for AECOM's Design & Build contractor business and how you would achieve it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, commercial acumen, deep market knowledge, and the ability to drive growth through strong partnerships and effective team management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples and articulate a clear vision for the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your CV & Cover Letter: Customize your resume to highlight senior leadership experience, strategic growth achievements, commercial management success, and specific expertise in the UK water sector and Design & Build projects. Your cover letter should articulate your understanding of AECOM's mission and how your skills align with driving growth in the contractor-led market.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Develop compelling stories and examples that showcase your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, build strategic partnerships, manage commercial risks, and drive business development in complex environments. Be ready to discuss your strategic vision for AECOM's D&B contractor business.

• Research AECOM & The Water Sector: Thoroughly research AECOM's current projects, values, and strategic priorities, particularly within the Water UK&I business. Understand the current landscape of the UK water industry, key contractors, and regulatory drivers.

• Practice Your Presentation: If a presentation or case study is anticipated, practice articulating your strategic plans and past successes clearly and concisely, focusing on quantifiable results and your leadership impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.