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 (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Leadership (Water Sector Focus)

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) market strategy within the UK&I Water sector, focusing on contractor-led opportunities.

• Drive significant business growth and revenue expansion by cultivating strong partnerships with key contractors and designers in the water infrastructure space.

• Provide senior leadership and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring successful delivery of complex D&B projects and programs.

• Enhance AECOM's market visibility and positioning as a trusted partner for D&B solutions in water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and foster a high-performing, engaged team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Head of Design & Build Director" suggests a strong operational and strategic leadership role, the emphasis on "driving growth," "market strategy," and "winning new opportunities" positions this within a GTM (Go-To-Market) and revenue operations context. The focus on contractor-led projects indicates a specific market segment strategy requiring deep commercial and client relationship management expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan for the Water UK&I business, aligning with the overarching AECOM Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

• Identify, monitor, and track new D&B opportunities in collaboration with Client Account Managers, ensuring proactive engagement and timely entry into business planning systems.

• Build and nurture robust relationships with key water sector contractors and designers to strategically pursue high-value D&B projects and frameworks.

• Increase AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor D&B ecosystem through effective internal and external communication strategies.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction and performance monitoring by actively engaging with contractors, implementing feedback loops (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and initiating improvement actions.

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that embodies AECOM's values, champions EDI initiatives, and promotes employee engagement and continuous professional development.

• Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, actively participating in recruitment for strategic and senior D&B roles.

• Partner with European and Global teams to leverage AECOM's full suite of capabilities for multidisciplinary D&B project delivery and work-winning efforts.

• Oversee major contractor-led projects and programs through robust bid governance processes, including Go/No-Go decisions, and provide support for smaller pursuits.

• Lead by example in promoting a strong Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring adherence to AECOM's SH&E policies and achieving key business metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are fleshed out to emphasize the strategic and commercial aspects critical for a Director-level GTM role. The inclusion of "bid governance," "Net Promoter Score feedback," and "SH&E culture" adds operational depth pertinent to the infrastructure consulting sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or a key supplier within the water sector.

• Proven track record of successfully building and leading leadership teams and complex, multidisciplinary project teams.

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing market growth strategies, particularly within the contractor-led Design & Build (D&B) space.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Market Strategy: Ability to define and execute a clear growth strategy for the contractor D&B market segment.

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven success in identifying, pursuing, and securing major D&B projects and frameworks.

• Contract & Commercial Management: Deep understanding of commercial models, contract negotiation, and risk management in D&B projects.

• Leadership & Team Management: Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong capabilities in building and maintaining strategic relationships with key contractor clients and stakeholders.

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, including regulatory drivers, investment cycles, and key players.

• Project & Program Oversight: Ability to provide governance and oversight for major D&B projects and programs.

• SH&E Leadership: Commitment to and experience in driving a strong safety, health, and environment culture.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Championing EDI principles in team building, leadership, and workplace culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial performance metrics, budgeting, and forecasting for business growth.

• Performance Monitoring & Improvement: Experience in implementing performance tracking mechanisms (e.g., NPS) and driving continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in managing relationships with internal AECOM leadership (global, regional) and external industry bodies.

• Digital Innovation: Awareness of digital tools and technologies that can enhance D&B project delivery and client value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The education requirement is inferred based on industry standards for senior engineering and construction leadership roles. The distinction between required and preferred skills helps candidates prioritize their application focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Market Growth Strategy Documentation: Examples of strategic plans developed and implemented for specific market segments, demonstrating market analysis, opportunity identification, and execution tactics.

• Business Development & Work Winning Case Studies: Detailed examples of major D&B contracts or frameworks secured, highlighting the pursuit strategy, key client engagements, and commercial outcomes.

• Project Delivery Leadership Examples: Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams through the successful delivery of complex D&B water infrastructure projects, showcasing oversight and risk management.

• Client Relationship Management Frameworks: Documentation or descriptions of how key client relationships were built, maintained, and leveraged for repeat business or new opportunities.

• Team Leadership & Development Initiatives: Examples of programs or strategies implemented to build, mentor, and develop high-performing leadership and project teams.

Process Documentation:

• Market Strategy Development: Outline of the process used to analyze market trends, identify contractor D&B opportunities, and formulate strategic action plans.

• Opportunity Pursuit & Bid Governance: Description of the stages and governance checkpoints involved in pursuing and winning D&B bids, including Go/No-Go decision-making criteria.

• Client Engagement & Performance Management: Frameworks for consistent client engagement, feedback collection (e.g., NPS), and implementing performance improvement initiatives.

• Resource Planning & Recruitment: Process for forecasting resource needs and actively recruiting senior talent for specialized D&B roles.

• SH&E Integration: Methods for embedding SH&E policies and procedures into project execution and team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to highlight how a senior leader in a GTM and operations role would document and demonstrate their strategic and execution capabilities. The emphasis is on tangible outcomes and structured processes relevant to winning and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Well-being: Access to health insurance, potentially including private medical cover, and wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution towards a pension scheme, a standard offering for senior roles in the UK.

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through AECOM University, access to technical practice networks, and support for professional development.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working model allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work to support personal needs.

• Financial Perks: Potential for performance-based bonuses, share purchase plans, or other incentive programs tied to business growth and individual contribution.

• Additional Benefits: Paid time off, including holidays and sick leave, and opportunities for volunteering.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the hybrid work arrangement and senior leadership nature of the role, there will be an expectation of flexibility to meet business needs, client demands, and project deadlines, particularly during critical work-winning and delivery phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on publicly available data for similar senior roles in London's infrastructure consulting sector. Benefits are expanded to reflect typical offerings for senior management positions in large, multinational corporations, with a focus on aspects valuable to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of services including advisory, planning, design, engineering, and construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded corporation with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This size offers significant resources, global reach, and diverse career opportunities, but also implies a matrixed organizational structure that requires strong navigation skills.

Founded: AECOM's history traces back to the 1930s, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become the global entity it is today. This long history suggests a stable, established company with deep industry expertise and a legacy of delivering significant projects.

Team Structure:

• Water UK&I Leadership Team: This role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a senior position within a dedicated business unit. Collaboration will be extensive with other Business Directors, including Strategy & Growth, Commercial, and functional leads.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Client Account Managers, Global Water and Contractor Market teams, and potentially teams across Europe and globally to deliver integrated solutions and leverage AECOM's full capabilities.

• Matrixed Environment: As part of a large multinational, the structure is likely matrixed, meaning individuals report to both functional/business unit leaders and project leaders, requiring effective communication and influence across different reporting lines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using data to inform strategy, performance monitoring (e.g., NPS), and continuous improvement, aligning with modern operations and GTM practices.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach across the entire project lifecycle, from advisory to construction management.

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong focus on client satisfaction, building partnerships, and delivering sustainable legacies is central to AECOM's operational philosophy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is enriched by drawing from AECOM's public profile, emphasizing its scale, industry position, and operational ethos, which are crucial for candidates to understand when evaluating a senior leadership role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, firmly within the Director level. It is accountable for a significant market segment (contractor-led D&B in Water UK&I) and has direct impact on revenue generation and strategic direction. This level typically involves managing P&L responsibility for the segment, leading substantial teams, and contributing to broader business unit strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design & Build Director will report directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This places them at a high level within the Water business unit, with direct access to senior leadership and significant influence over market strategy and operations within their domain.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on revenue growth and market share expansion within the contractor D&B segment of the Water UK&I business. Success will be measured through increased contract wins, project pipeline growth, client satisfaction, and ultimately, profitability. The role also influences operational delivery by ensuring alignment between market strategy and project execution capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand scope to cover broader D&B markets or take on additional leadership responsibilities within the Water UK&I business unit.

• Global Role Development: Opportunities to engage with global AECOM initiatives, share best practices, or take on international assignments within the global water or D&B sectors.

• Executive Development: Access to executive coaching, advanced leadership training programs, and opportunities to contribute to AECOM's corporate strategy.

• Mentorship and Succession Planning: Opportunity to mentor emerging leaders and be part of AECOM's succession planning for senior executive roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact expected for a Director-level GTM and operational leadership role within a large consultancy, framing it within the context of AECOM's global structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of working from AECOM's London office and remotely. This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and client engagement with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, with a specific mention of "Aldgate Tower." AECOM also lists Birmingham as an alternative location. This provides flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to these major UK cities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The London office likely serves as a central hub for key leadership, client meetings, and team collaboration sessions, fostering innovation and strategic alignment.

• Technology Enabled: AECOM, as a global leader, will provide access to advanced digital tools, collaboration platforms, and necessary technology to support hybrid work and efficient project delivery.

• Professional Networking: The office environment facilitates informal interactions, knowledge sharing, and relationship-building with colleagues across various disciplines and business lines.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the hybrid nature and senior leadership level imply a degree of flexibility. The focus will be on achieving objectives and delivering results, with the ability to structure workdays and weeks to accommodate personal needs and business demands, particularly around client engagements and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment is enhanced by inferring the typical setup for a hybrid senior leadership role in a major consulting firm, focusing on the practical aspects for a candidate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A conversation with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I focusing on strategic vision, leadership experience, and understanding of the D&B contractor market.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, including Business Directors and potentially senior client representatives, to assess broader impact, collaboration style, and technical/commercial acumen.

• Leadership Assessment/Case Study: A potential exercise involving presenting a strategic plan for the D&B market, outlining a growth strategy, or addressing a complex business challenge. This will assess strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion with senior AECOM leadership, followed by a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Vision: Clearly articulate your approach to developing and executing a market growth strategy for the contractor D&B segment. Use specific examples of strategic frameworks you've employed.

• Work-Winning Success Stories: Present 2-3 detailed case studies of major D&B contracts or frameworks you have secured. Quantify the value, your role in winning, and the strategy employed.

• Team Leadership & Impact: Showcase examples of how you've built, led, and developed high-performing multidisciplinary teams. Highlight specific initiatives that fostered engagement and improved team performance.

• Client Relationship Management: Describe your methodology for building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key contractor clients. Provide examples of successful client engagements.

• Commercial Acumen: Be prepared to discuss your experience with contract negotiation, risk management, and commercial oversight of large D&B projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis & Strategy: Be ready to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the UK Water D&B contractor market and propose strategic initiatives.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to address hypothetical scenarios related to client management, project delivery challenges, or team conflicts, demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving approach.

• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your leadership style, your approach to fostering EDI, and how you drive performance and engagement within teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations and GTM candidates, focusing on how to best present their experience and prepare for the specific types of interviews and assessments common for senior leadership roles in consulting and engineering firms.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): For managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, pipeline management, and sales forecasting. Proficiency in leveraging CRM data for strategic insights is crucial.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com): For overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of complex D&B projects, including resource allocation and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom): Essential for day-to-day communication, virtual meetings, and fostering collaboration within hybrid and globally distributed teams.

• Document Management Systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex): For organizing, sharing, and controlling project documentation and critical business information.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): For creating dashboards and reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business growth, client satisfaction, project delivery, and financial performance.

• Financial Reporting Software: To monitor project budgets, profitability, and overall financial health of the D&B segment.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing market data, project performance data, and client feedback to inform strategic decisions and identify areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Workload Automation Tools: Potentially used for automating repetitive tasks within business development or project management workflows, improving efficiency.

• Proposal & Bidding Software: Tools that may assist in the creation and management of complex D&B proposals.

• Data Integration Platforms: To ensure seamless data flow between different systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, Project Management) for a unified view of operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are typical for senior leadership roles in infrastructure consulting, focusing on GTM, project management, and operational efficiency. The emphasis is on how these tools support strategic decision-making and operational execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and internal operations. Building trust through transparency and reliability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of collective effort, encouraging cross-functional cooperation, and valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement, embracing new ideas and technologies, and striving for exceptional quality in all project outcomes and client services.

• Client Focus: Placing the client at the center of all operations, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that create lasting value and positive impact.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the health and safety of employees and the public, and committing to environmentally responsible practices in all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with different business units (e.g., Transportation, Buildings) and functional departments (e.g., Commercial, Legal, HR) to leverage AECOM's full capabilities and provide integrated solutions.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are the norm, promoting continuous learning and problem-solving.

• Partnership with Contractors: Developing a collaborative approach with D&B contractors, viewing them as partners in project success rather than just clients, fostering mutual respect and shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are derived from AECOM's stated mission and public commitments, tailored to reflect how these might be applied in a senior leadership role focused on GTM and operational execution within the water sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across multiple business lines, geographies, and functional departments to secure resources and drive initiatives.

• Intense Market Competition: The UK water sector D&B market is highly competitive, requiring a robust strategy to differentiate AECOM and win significant contracts against established players.

• Resource Management: Balancing the demand for resources with available capacity, particularly for specialized skills required in D&B projects, while managing recruitment and talent development.

• Driving Cultural Change: Leading the adoption of new strategies, processes, or technologies, and fostering a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and EDI across diverse teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technology: Staying abreast of changes in water infrastructure regulations, environmental standards, and emerging technologies that impact D&B project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to executive development programs designed for senior leaders, focusing on strategic thinking, financial management, and global leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend key water industry events, D&B forums, and leadership summits to stay current with trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in mentorship initiatives, either as a mentor to emerging leaders or as a mentee to senior AECOM executives, fostering career growth.

• Specialized Skill Development: Access to training in new project delivery methodologies, digital engineering tools, advanced commercial strategies, or sustainability best practices relevant to the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the inherent challenges of a senior leadership role in a large, complex organization and highlights the growth opportunities available within AECOM for such positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and executing a market growth strategy for the contractor Design & Build segment within the UK Water industry. What key metrics would you track?"

• "How have you built and led high-performing, multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed environment? Provide an example of a challenging team dynamic you successfully managed."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do AECOM's values (e.g., Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Client Focus, Safety, Sustainability) resonate with your leadership philosophy and professional experience?"

• "Given AECOM's emphasis on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, how would you foster an inclusive culture within your team and promote EDI in your interactions with contractors?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study (work-winning, team leadership, client management), follow a clear STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar structure.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the scale of projects, financial outcomes (revenue, profit), client satisfaction improvements (NPS), and team performance enhancements.

• Focus on Strategic Contribution: Emphasize your strategic thinking, leadership decisions, and how your actions directly contributed to business growth and successful project delivery.

• Tailor to AECOM: Show that you understand AECOM's business, its clients, and the challenges in the UK Water sector. Connect your experience directly to the requirements of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to mirror the strategic, leadership, and commercial focus expected for a Director-level GTM role, with specific relevance to the infrastructure consulting and water sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations leadership position:

• Submit Your Application: Thoroughly complete the online application form, ensuring all sections are addressed accurately and professionally.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to Design & Build (D&B) market strategy, contractor engagement, business development, and leadership within the water sector. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile compelling case studies that demonstrate your success in winning major D&B projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships, and driving business growth. Focus on quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's current projects, strategic priorities, company values, and recent performance, particularly within the Water UK&I business.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your responses to potential interview questions, focusing on articulating your strategic vision, leadership approach, and proven track record of success in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to present your portfolio highlights effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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