Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom (with potential for St Albans, UK)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Consulting / Water Sector Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market expansion for AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) contractor-led business within the UK & Ireland (UK&I) Water sector.

• Drive business development initiatives, secure major frameworks, and win new opportunities in a rapidly growing multi-billion-pound investment environment.

• Oversee the successful delivery of complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to SH&E standards.

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture, championing AECOM's values and promoting employee engagement and continuous development.

• Collaborate extensively with internal leadership across UK&I, Europe, and Global Water teams, as well as external stakeholders, including key contractors and designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within AECOM's Water UK&I business. The focus on "Design & Build" and "contractor-led space" indicates a strategic push to capture a significant portion of the market where contractors are the primary clients, requiring strong commercial acumen, client relationship management, and project execution oversight. The emphasis on growth and market strategy suggests this is a pivotal role for AECOM's future in the UK water sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan, aligning with the overall Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

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

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility within the contractor market through effective internal and external communication of market strategy and capabilities.

• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with key water sector contractors and designers to strategically pursue high-value D&B opportunities.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively engaging with contractors, monitoring performance, and implementing improvement actions based on Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback.

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), to foster a positive and engaging work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

• Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, leading recruitment for strategic and senior roles within the D&B water sector.

• Partner with teams across Europe and globally to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary projects and programs, highlighting AECOM's work-winning strengths.

• Provide accountability for major contractor-led projects and programs through robust bid governance and the Go/No-Go process, while supporting governance for smaller pursuits.

• Lead by example in promoting a strong Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring effective implementation of AECOM's SH&E policies and procedures to meet core business metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic market development and operational oversight. The role requires not only winning work but also ensuring its successful execution from a project management and client satisfaction perspective. The emphasis on SH&E and EDI reflects AECOM's commitment to responsible business practices and a positive work environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific degree requirements are not listed, but a strong technical or business background relevant to the water sector or infrastructure consulting is implied.

Experience: Senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier is essential. A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience is anticipated given the "Head of" title and responsibilities.

Required Skills:

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

• Deep understanding of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors, regulatory landscapes, and wider European socio-political and economic drivers.

• Demonstrated ability for growth-focused leadership, including talent development, coaching, and strategic planning.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, with a track record of securing major frameworks and winning new opportunities.

• Strong client relationship management capabilities, with experience in building and maintaining partnerships with large contractors.

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

• Solid attention to detail with experience delivering effective health & safety initiatives and promoting a strong SH&E culture.

• Experience with bid governance and the Go/No-Go process for major projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in implementing data-led performance improvements and utilizing metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) for client satisfaction.

• Familiarity with AECOM's existing project portfolio and client base within the UK water sector.

• Advanced understanding of project lifecycle management from advisory and planning through to design, engineering, and construction management.

• Experience in public-private partnerships (PPPs) or similar collaborative delivery models in the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, commercial expertise, and deep sector knowledge. The ability to manage complex relationships with contractors and drive growth in a competitive market is paramount. Experience within a multinational, matrixed organization is crucial due to AECOM's structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing market growth strategies for infrastructure or consulting services, particularly within the water sector or D&B contracting.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to secure significant contract wins, framework agreements, or major D&B projects, with clear articulation of your role and impact.

• Examples of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams through complex project lifecycles, highlighting problem-solving and delivery excellence.

• Evidence of strong client relationship management, including strategies for building and maintaining partnerships with large corporate clients or contractors.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of developing and implementing strategic plans, demonstrating a structured approach to market analysis, opportunity identification, and execution.

• Case studies detailing your approach to fostering team development, talent management, and driving cultural initiatives such as EDI within a leadership context.

• Evidence of your approach to managing SH&E performance, including strategies for embedding safety culture and achieving compliance.

• Demonstrations of how you have utilized performance metrics (e.g., NPS) to drive continuous improvement in client satisfaction and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio should focus on strategic impact, leadership effectiveness, and commercial success. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for market penetration, team building, and project oversight, using concrete examples that demonstrate quantifiable results and strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior leadership nature of this role, the significant responsibility within a major global consultancy, and the context of a multi-billion-pound investment sector in London, a competitive executive-level compensation package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar Head of D&B roles in the UK infrastructure sector, the estimated annual base salary range is likely between £120,000 - £180,000. This would typically be supplemented by a significant performance-based bonus (e.g., 20-40% of base salary), long-term incentives (e.g., stock options or deferred cash awards), and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to AECOM's extensive learning and development programs, including AECOM University, and pathways for continued professional growth.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: A structured hybrid approach to support work-life balance, allowing for a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to engage with subject matter experts across various disciplines globally, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives, aligning with AECOM's commitment to social impact.

• Comprehensive Health and Well-being Programs: Including private medical insurance, life assurance, and potentially wellness stipends or access to mental health support services.

• Pension Scheme: A competitive employer-matched pension contribution plan.

• Performance-Based Bonus: Annual bonus structure tied to individual, team, and company performance.

• Long-Term Incentives: Potential for stock options or deferred cash awards for senior leadership roles.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership and client-facing nature of the role, flexibility will be required to meet business needs, including potential for extended hours during critical project phases or bid periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of senior leadership positions in infrastructure consulting and engineering firms in London, considering the specific sector (Water), responsibility scope (Head of D&B), and company size (AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm). The benefits listed are typical for executive roles in major multinational corporations and are directly drawn from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the Infrastructure Consulting sector, with a significant focus on Water, Transportation, Buildings, New Energy, and Environmental services. The UK Water sector is experiencing substantial investment, driven by regulatory requirements, asset renewal, and climate adaptation needs, creating a dynamic market for AECOM.

Company Size: AECOM is a global, Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This signifies a large, established organization with extensive resources, global reach, and a structured corporate environment. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for significant impact, access to advanced tools and methodologies, and potential for career advancement within a complex matrix structure.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its current form established through various mergers and acquisitions. The company's legacy and continuous evolution reflect a deep-rooted expertise in delivering complex infrastructure projects globally. This history contributes to a culture that values experience, innovation, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• Water UK&I Leadership Team: The Head of Design & Build will be a key member of this team, reporting to the Managing Director of Water. This team likely includes directors responsible for client accounts, strategy, commercial operations, and technical disciplines.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. The Head of Design & Build will lead a team of senior professionals, including business development managers, project directors, and potentially design leads focused on the contractor market.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Client Account Managers, Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams. This indicates a highly collaborative environment requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate a matrixed organization.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: AECOM emphasizes data-driven decision-making. The Head of Design & Build is expected to leverage market data, client feedback (e.g., NPS), and performance metrics to inform strategy and drive improvements.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves developing and implementing market strategies and operational plans for the D&B contractor segment, focusing on efficiency, client satisfaction, and profitable growth.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly detailed for this role, AECOM, as a global firm, likely encourages the adoption of digital tools and efficient processes to manage projects, client relationships, and business development activities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding AECOM's scale and its position in the infrastructure market is crucial. The emphasis on collaboration within a matrix structure and the use of data for strategic decision-making are key cultural aspects for candidates to consider. The growth in the UK water sector presents a significant opportunity for AECOM and this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to an executive or director level. The role carries significant P&L accountability for a specific market segment (contractor-led D&B in Water UK&I). It requires strategic vision, extensive market expertise, and the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams. The scope involves shaping market strategy, driving substantial revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it at a high level within the Water business unit's leadership. This reporting line offers direct exposure to executive decision-making and strategic direction for the entire Water business in the region.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build will have a profound impact on AECOM's revenue, market share, and strategic positioning within the UK&I water sector. Success in this role directly contributes to AECOM's overall financial performance, its reputation as a trusted advisor and delivery partner for contractors, and its ability to secure and execute critical infrastructure projects that improve public health and the environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to broader leadership roles within the Water business, such as Regional Director, or to lead larger, more complex business units or global market segments.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to significantly influence AECOM's long-term strategy for the water sector, shaping investment priorities, service offerings, and market penetration approaches.

• Mentorship and Development: Chance to mentor and develop emerging leaders within the D&B and water sectors, contributing to AECOM's talent pipeline and succession planning.

• Cross-Sector Exposure: Potential to leverage experience gained in the water sector to engage with other infrastructure markets or global initiatives within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in a career within infrastructure consulting or contracting leadership. The emphasis is on strategic business ownership and market development, offering substantial growth potential within AECOM's global structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and office-based collaboration. AECOM promotes a flexible working model to achieve work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London (specifically Aldgate Tower), with St Albans, Hertfordshire, also mentioned as a potential location. This suggests AECOM has significant operations in these areas, offering flexibility for the incumbent. The London office likely serves as a central hub for client engagement and leadership meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: AECOM fosters a collaborative culture. The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and practices, alongside planned in-person meetings and team sessions to maintain strong working relationships and drive project success.

• Operations Tools and Technology: As a global engineering consultancy, AECOM likely provides access to a wide array of project management software, design tools, communication platforms, and data analytics capabilities necessary for managing complex D&B projects and client relationships.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and client representatives is expected. The hybrid model will require intentional efforts to foster team cohesion and engagement, both virtually and in person.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the senior leadership and client-facing nature of this role will require flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, bid submissions, and client needs, which may involve extended hours or work during evenings and weekends during critical periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of remote and office-based work and possess strong self-management and virtual collaboration skills. The specific office locations provide geographical context for potential travel or work arrangements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter, focusing on senior leadership experience, D&B water sector expertise, and commercial track record.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Managing Director of Water UK&I) and potentially a senior HR business partner, focusing on strategic vision, leadership style, market understanding, and high-level commercial achievements.

• Second Interview/Panel: May involve key stakeholders from the Water UK&I leadership team, including other Business Directors. This stage would delve deeper into specific experience, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural fit. A presentation or case study discussion might be included.

• Final Stage: Potentially a final interview with a higher-level executive or a separate assessment focused on strategic thinking and alignment with AECOM's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Vision: Clearly articulate your strategic approach to market growth, contractor engagement, and business development for the D&B water sector.

• Commercial Acumen: Present quantifiable achievements in securing frameworks, winning major contracts, and managing complex commercial agreements. Use data to demonstrate ROI and profitability.

• Leadership Impact: Provide examples of how you have built, led, and developed high-performing, diverse teams, and fostered a strong SH&E and EDI culture.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Showcase your oversight of major D&B projects, emphasizing client satisfaction, risk management, and successful project outcomes.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Focus on the most impactful achievements and tailor your examples to the specific requirements of this role. Be prepared to discuss your methodologies and strategic rationale in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Strategy Presentation: You might be asked to prepare and present a brief overview of the current UK&I D&B water market, key challenges, opportunities, and your proposed strategy for AECOM.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would address specific challenges related to client engagement, team performance, or project delivery within a D&B context.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex stakeholder management, drive change, or foster an inclusive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role will be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and commercial impact. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates success in similar environments is essential for progressing through the stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with enterprise-level project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asite) for planning, tracking, and reporting on D&B projects.

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and supporting business development efforts.

• Collaboration Platforms: Adeptness with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication, document sharing, and virtual team collaboration in a hybrid environment.

• Bid Management Software: Familiarity with tools or processes supporting tender submissions and bid governance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to analyze market data, project performance, financial metrics, and client feedback.

• Financial Reporting Tools: Understanding of financial reporting systems and ability to interpret financial statements and project P&Ls.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially statistical software for deeper insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce/Dynamics 365: As common CRM platforms, familiarity would be beneficial for managing sales pipelines and client interactions.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automation can streamline business development processes, project reporting, or client communication, even if not directly managing the tools.

• Integration Concepts: Awareness of how different systems (CRM, PM, ERP) integrate to provide a cohesive view of business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool mandates are not detailed, a senior leader in this role is expected to be proficient in the strategic application of these types of technologies for business development, project management, and performance analysis. The ability to drive adoption of efficient digital tools and processes is a key expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and project execution.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively identifying and pursuing new opportunities, driving innovation, and taking ownership of business outcomes.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver transformative solutions.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively promoting a workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. This includes championing diverse talent and perspectives.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams, disciplines, and geographies to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building strong, trusted relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes seamless collaboration across different business lines, geographies, and functions to leverage global expertise and deliver comprehensive solutions. This role will require proactive engagement with various internal stakeholders.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and continuous improvement by regularly reviewing processes, performance, and project outcomes with teams and clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas are shared freely across the organization to enhance collective capabilities and drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values are central to its culture. Candidates will be assessed on how well their leadership style and approach align with these values, particularly regarding innovation, integrity, and the commitment to EDI and client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector is competitive, requiring continuous innovation and strong value propositions to win and retain D&B contracts.

• Navigating a Matrix Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across various business units, geographies, and functional teams within a large multinational corporation can be complex.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and keeping top-tier engineering and project management talent in a high-demand market sector.

• Driving Cultural Change: Embedding new strategies or fostering a stronger focus on D&B within existing structures and practices.

• Balancing Growth with Profitability and Risk: Ensuring that aggressive growth targets are met without compromising project profitability or increasing unacceptable levels of risk.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Skills: Advanced training and development in executive leadership, strategic market development, and corporate finance.

• Industry Conferences and Forums: Opportunities to represent AECOM at key industry events, network with peers, and stay abreast of emerging trends in water infrastructure and D&B delivery.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior mentors within AECOM or participation in executive coaching to refine leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Business Unit Exposure: Potential to gain experience or contribute to initiatives in other AECOM sectors, broadening expertise and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior leadership roles in large, dynamic organizations. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career progression and professional development within the infrastructure consulting domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a market growth strategy for a D&B contractor-led business within the UK water sector. What key considerations would you prioritize?" (Focus on market analysis, opportunity identification, stakeholder engagement, and execution.)

• "How would you foster and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with major water sector contractors? Provide examples of successful relationship-building strategies you've employed." (Emphasize trust, value proposition, and collaborative problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM values integrity, pioneering spirit, and entrepreneurialism. How do you embody these values in your leadership style and decision-making?" (Connect your experiences to AECOM's core values.)

• "How would you foster an inclusive team environment within your D&B water business, ensuring diverse perspectives are valued and utilized?" (Discuss your commitment to EDI and practical approaches to implementation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly state the value of the contract secured, revenue generated, or percentage of market share gained. Use numbers effectively.

• Structure Your Narrative: For D&B project examples, follow a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly outline the challenge, your role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Highlight Leadership and Strategy: Emphasize your strategic thinking, leadership approach, commercial acumen, and how you managed teams and stakeholders to achieve success.

• Focus on D&B and Water: Tailor your examples to showcase direct experience in Design & Build delivery models and the water sector, or highly relevant transferable skills.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, commercial leadership, and a proven ability to drive growth in a complex sector. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the D&B model and the UK water market, coupled with strong leadership and collaboration skills, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your CV and any accompanying documents to prominently highlight your experience in Design & Build contracting, water sector projects, senior leadership, business development, and commercial management. Prepare concise case studies that showcase quantifiable achievements in winning work and leading complex projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your leadership experience, specific responsibilities in growing businesses, managing large contract values, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "Head of Design & Build," "Water UK&I," "contractor-led market," "business development," and "commercial management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for the D&B water market, your leadership philosophy, and how you would drive growth and foster an inclusive culture at AECOM. Prepare specific examples to address potential interview questions related to strategy, leadership, and commercial success.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's current projects, strategic initiatives in the UK water sector, and its stated values. Understand the competitive landscape and AECOM's positioning within it. Familiarize yourself with AECOM's approach to sustainability, EDI, and SH&E.

⚠️ 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.