Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I at AECOM

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Water Sector Strategy & Business Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: Senior Leader (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Drive strategic growth and market expansion for AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) services within the UK & Ireland Water sector, focusing on contractor-led opportunities.
Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team responsible for the D&B contractor market, ensuring alignment with AECOM's global and regional water strategies.
Oversee the end-to-end business development lifecycle, from opportunity identification and qualification to bid governance and securing major frameworks and contracts.
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key water sector contractors and designers to enhance AECOM's positioning and work-winning capabilities.
Champion AECOM's values, including a strong commitment to Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and overall employee engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function within AECOM's Water UK&I business, with a clear mandate to grow the contractor-led Design & Build segment. The emphasis on "driving growth," "market strategy," and "accountability for expanding this key market" indicates a strategic and commercial focus, distinct from purely technical or project delivery roles. The role requires a blend of leadership, business development acumen, and deep understanding of the UK water infrastructure market, particularly from a contractor's perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive market growth plan for the contractor-led Design & Build segment within the Water UK&I sector, aligning with the overarching Water UK&I Strategic Plan.
Collaborate closely with Client Account Managers and Business Directors to proactively identify, track, and position AECOM for high-value D&B opportunities with key contractors.
Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor community through effective internal and external communication of market strategy and capabilities.
Build and nurture robust relationships with major water sector contractors and designers to foster strategic partnerships and secure competitive advantages in pursuits.
Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, implementing improvement actions based on feedback (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and ensuring delivery excellence.
Lead the recruitment and development of strategic and senior roles within the D&B team, ensuring the business has the necessary talent to meet medium and long-term resource demands.
Oversee bid governance processes, including Go/No-Go decisions for significant contractor-led projects and programs, ensuring commercial viability and strategic alignment.
Champion and ensure the effective implementation of AECOM's SH&E policies and procedures, actively working to achieve core SH&E metrics for the Water business.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and employee development, embodying AECOM's values and promoting engagement across the business unit.
Leverage global and European AECOM resources and expertise to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary solutions and showcase strong work-winning capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic business development and operational leadership within the contractor-led D&B space. Key areas include market strategy formulation, opportunity pipeline management, client relationship building, bid governance, and fostering a strong team and culture. The emphasis on "accountability for major contractor-led projects and programmes through bid governance" signifies a critical risk management and decision-making component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical), Construction Management, or a related technical field is highly preferred.

Experience:

Extensive senior leadership experience (10+ years) within a complex, matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water sector supplier environment.
Proven success in building, leading, and developing senior leadership teams and large multidisciplinary project teams.
Deep and demonstrable understanding of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors, their operational models, and the competitive landscape.
Substantial experience in business development, strategic planning, and market strategy implementation within the infrastructure or water sector.
Strong commercial and contract management expertise, with a track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and growing existing contracts.
Proven ability to manage client relationships effectively, drive client satisfaction, and deliver against performance metrics.

Required Skills:

Strategic Leadership: Ability to define and execute a clear market growth strategy for the D&B contractor space.
Business Development & Work Winning: Proven expertise in identifying, pursuing, and securing significant D&B contracts and frameworks.
Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of contract negotiation, risk management, and financial performance for large-scale projects.
Team Leadership & Development: Experience in building, motivating, and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams, including senior talent.
UK Water Market Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK water sector's dynamics, regulatory environment, key players, and investment drivers.
Client Relationship Management: Skill in developing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key contractor clients.
Bid Governance & Decision Making: Proficiency in leading bid processes and making critical Go/No-Go decisions.
Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) Leadership: Commitment to and experience in driving a strong SH&E culture and performance.

Preferred Skills:

Data-Led Performance Improvement: Experience in utilizing data analytics to drive operational efficiency and performance enhancements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with global teams, different business lines, and support functions.
Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in managing relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Digital Innovation: Understanding of how digital tools and technologies can enhance D&B project delivery and client value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic business leadership, deep sector knowledge, and commercial expertise. The "10+ years" experience level, combined with "senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier," strongly suggests this role is for an established leader with a proven track record in high-stakes environments. The emphasis on "contractor-led" D&B is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Growth Strategy Case Studies: Examples demonstrating the development and successful implementation of market growth strategies, particularly in expanding service offerings or client segments within the water or infrastructure sector.
Work-Winning Track Record: Evidence of securing significant Design & Build contracts or frameworks, detailing the role played, the complexity of the pursuit, and the ultimate outcome (e.g., contract value, client satisfaction).
Team Leadership & Development Examples: Demonstrations of how leadership experience was used to build, mentor, and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams, including examples of talent acquisition for strategic roles.
Commercial & Contractual Expertise: Portfolio pieces showcasing experience in complex commercial negotiations, contract management strategies, and risk mitigation for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Client Relationship Management Examples: Case studies illustrating the cultivation and management of key client relationships, detailing how client satisfaction was driven and improved, potentially referencing NPS data.

Process Documentation:

Market Strategy Development: Documentation outlining the process for researching market trends, identifying opportunities, assessing competitive landscapes, and formulating strategic business development plans for a specific sector or service line.
Bid Governance Framework: Examples of processes or frameworks used for evaluating project opportunities, conducting risk assessments, managing bid teams, and making critical Go/No-Go decisions within a consultancy or contracting environment.
Performance Management & Improvement: Documentation related to systems or processes for monitoring project performance, gathering client feedback, and implementing data-driven improvements to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
SH&E Integration: Evidence of how Safety, Health & Environment policies and procedures are integrated into project planning, execution, and operational management within a D&B context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic and commercial nature of this Head of D&B role, a portfolio should focus on demonstrable business impact, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. This includes showcasing successful market-entry or expansion strategies, significant work-winning achievements, and examples of effective team leadership and client management within the D&B framework. The emphasis is on strategic execution and commercial success rather than granular technical project details.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

Competitive Base Salary: Reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role.
Performance-Based Bonus Scheme: Tied to individual, team, and company financial and strategic objectives.
Car Allowance or Company Car: Standard for senior roles involving significant client engagement and travel.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.
Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a defined contribution pension plan.
Career Development Opportunities: Access to AECOM University, technical practice networks, and professional development programs.
Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility to support work-life balance.
Volunteering Days: Paid time off to support community initiatives.
Life Assurance: Standard benefit providing financial security.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership and client-facing nature of the role, flexibility is expected, particularly around critical bid periods, project milestones, and client engagements. The hybrid work model allows for a degree of autonomy in managing working hours and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar senior leadership positions in London's infrastructure and consulting sectors, factoring in the specific responsibilities of driving business growth and managing a significant market segment. AECOM's stated benefits are comprehensive and align with typical offerings for senior roles in large multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting. AECOM operates as a global leader in providing professional services across the entire infrastructure project lifecycle, from planning and design to program and construction management. This includes sectors such as transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees globally. This scale provides significant resources, global reach, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided for the current iteration, AECOM has a long history through its predecessor companies, with a significant presence and evolution over decades, positioning it as a stable and established industry leader.

Team Structure:

The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high-level position within the business unit's leadership.
Collaboration will be extensive with other Business Directors (e.g., Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director) and global/regional leadership teams (AECOM Europe & India leadership, Global Water and Contractor Market teams).

Methodology:

Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data for performance improvements and strategic planning.
Client-Centric Approach: Focus on delivering exceptional client satisfaction, actively monitoring feedback (e.g., NPS), and implementing actionable improvements.
Integrated Service Delivery: A global, multidisciplinary approach to delivering complex projects, emphasizing collaboration across business lines and geographies.
Commitment to SH&E and EDI: Core operational methodologies include robust safety protocols and a strong focus on fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes AECOM's global scale, expertise across multiple infrastructure sectors, and a structured approach to business operations. The role's integration into the Water UK&I leadership team, coupled with extensive cross-functional and global collaboration, highlights the strategic importance and broad reach of this position.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Head of" level position, signifying a senior executive leadership role with significant strategic responsibility and P&L oversight for a key market segment (contractor-led D&B in Water UK&I). It represents a significant step in a career focused on business development, market growth, and leadership within the infrastructure consulting or contracting sector.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it at the top tier of the business unit's operational and strategic leadership. This provides high visibility and direct influence on the company's growth trajectory in a critical market.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build Director will have a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue growth and market share within the UK & Ireland water sector. Success in this role translates to securing major projects, strengthening client partnerships, and solidifying AECOM's reputation as a preferred partner for Design & Build solutions with contractors. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of infrastructure delivery in the water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

Executive Leadership Progression: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within AECOM's Water business, such as Regional Director, Global Market Lead, or other executive positions within AECOM's broader infrastructure portfolio.
Strategic Market Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise and influence within the rapidly expanding UK water infrastructure market, potentially leading to broader strategic initiatives or new market entries.
Mentorship and Talent Development: A key aspect of the role involves developing future leaders, offering opportunities to mentor and guide emerging talent within AECOM's D&B and Water practices.
Industry Influence: Through successful leadership and strategic contributions, there's an opportunity to gain recognition and influence within the broader water industry and D&B community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the pinnacle of a specific market segment's business development and leadership. Growth opportunities are clearly aligned with advancing within AECOM's executive ranks or taking on broader strategic responsibilities within the company's vast infrastructure operations. The emphasis on talent development also points to leadership growth through mentorship.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of working from an AECOM office and remotely. This suggests a flexible approach to work location, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and team engagement with the benefits of remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, UK, specifically at the Aldgate Tower office. This central London location provides access to major transport links and a professional business environment, facilitating meetings with clients and stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team collaboration suggest that office days will be focused on strategic meetings, team building, and cross-functional discussions.
Technology and Tools: As a global consultancy, AECOM likely provides access to advanced digital tools, collaboration platforms, and project management software to support a hybrid workforce and complex project delivery.
Professional Networking: The London office serves as a hub for professional interaction, allowing for networking with colleagues across various disciplines and business lines within AECOM.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement. The demands of a senior leadership role in business development may require working beyond standard hours during critical periods like bid submissions or major project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model at a prime London location suggests a modern, flexible, and professional work environment. The emphasis on collaboration, even within a hybrid setup, indicates that AECOM values face-to-face interaction for strategic planning and team cohesion, while leveraging technology for remote efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess alignment with core requirements.
Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to assess strategic vision, leadership capabilities, market understanding, and cultural fit. This stage will likely explore past successes in business development and team management.
Panel Interview / Assessment: This may involve interviews with other senior leaders (e.g., Commercial Director, other Business Directors) and potentially a presentation or case study exercise.
Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Focus on Strategic Impact: Showcase how your leadership and initiatives directly led to business growth, significant contract wins, or improved market positioning. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., revenue growth percentage, contract value secured).
Demonstrate D&B Expertise: Clearly articulate your experience and success in the Design & Build contractor-led market. Highlight your understanding of the nuances of working with contractors as clients.
Highlight Leadership Philosophy: Provide examples of how you build, motivate, and develop teams, emphasizing your approach to fostering collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.
Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio around key themes such as Market Strategy, Work Winning, Client Management, and Team Leadership. Use concise descriptions and compelling visuals if appropriate.
Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's current strategic priorities, values, and recent projects in the water sector. Frame your experience to demonstrate alignment with their goals.

Challenge Preparation:

Market Growth Strategy Presentation: Be prepared to present a high-level strategic plan for growing AECOM's contractor-led D&B business in the UK Water sector, including identifying key target contractors, service offerings, and potential challenges.
Work-Winning Case Study: Prepare a detailed case study of a significant D&B contract you were instrumental in winning, outlining your role, the competitive landscape, the bid strategy, and the key factors for success.
Leadership Scenario Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific team management, client conflict, or strategic decision-making scenarios common in a senior leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is likely to be rigorous, given the senior nature of the role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their past achievements but also their strategic thinking and leadership potential through presentations and detailed case studies, particularly focusing on the D&B contractor market.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CRM System: Proficiency with enterprise-level CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and forecasting business development activities.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with advanced project and program management platforms (e.g., Oracle Primavera, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com) for overseeing large-scale D&B projects and their associated workflows.
Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for seamless communication and collaboration within a hybrid and global team structure.

Analytics & Reporting:

Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for analyzing market data, pipeline metrics, financial performance, and client satisfaction scores.
Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret comprehensive reports and dashboards for executive-level stakeholders, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business growth, profitability, and client engagement.

CRM & Automation:

Sales Enablement Tools: Familiarity with tools that support the sales and business development process, such as proposal management software or competitive intelligence platforms.
Data Analysis Tools: Competency in using analytical tools to process and interpret complex datasets related to market trends, project performance, and financial outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a senior leader in this role would be expected to be highly proficient in enterprise-level CRM, project management, and data analytics/BI tools. The focus is on leveraging technology for strategic decision-making, client management, and efficient business operations in a complex D&B environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Delivering a Better World: This is AECOM's core purpose, emphasizing the positive societal impact of their infrastructure projects. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to sustainable and impactful solutions.
Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and internal operations.
Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams, business lines, and geographies to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively fostering a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique talents; championing diversity in teams and leadership.
Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches to solve complex challenges and drive continuous improvement in project delivery and business operations.
Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E): A paramount value, ensuring the well-being of employees, communities, and the environment through rigorous safety protocols and sustainable practices.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands extensive collaboration with various internal departments, including commercial, technical, finance, legal, and global AECOM teams, to ensure cohesive project delivery and business development.
Partnership-Driven: Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with external partners, especially water sector contractors and designers, is crucial for success in the D&B market.
Open Communication & Feedback: Fostering an environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are encouraged to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the operations and business development functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is built around a strong purpose ("Delivering a Better World"), underpinned by core values like integrity, collaboration, and a significant commitment to EDI and SH&E. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values in their daily work, influencing strategic decisions and team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating a Competitive Market: The UK water sector is highly competitive, requiring sophisticated business development strategies and strong value propositions to win D&B contracts.
Managing Complex Stakeholder Relationships: Balancing the needs and expectations of AECOM, contractor clients, and other stakeholders in large-scale D&B projects can be demanding.
Driving Cultural Change: Leading the growth of the contractor-led D&B market may require influencing existing business practices and fostering a stronger focus on this specific client segment within AECOM.
Resource Management and Talent Acquisition: Ensuring adequate resources and attracting/retaining top talent in a specialized D&B market can be challenging, especially for senior roles.
Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Client Demands: The water sector is subject to significant regulatory changes and evolving client expectations for sustainability and resilience, requiring continuous adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine executive leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and P&L management through direct experience and AECOM's leadership programs.
Deepening Sector Expertise: Continued immersion in the UK water market and D&B contracting models, coupled with exposure to global best practices within AECOM's network.
Mentorship and Coaching: The role offers a platform to mentor and develop future leaders, providing valuable experience in talent cultivation.
Industry Exposure: Potential to represent AECOM at industry conferences, engage with sector bodies, and contribute to shaping industry best practices.
Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to AECOM's diverse service offerings (transportation, buildings, environment) can broaden understanding and strategic perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for senior leadership roles in dynamic markets, requiring strategic foresight, robust execution, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are aligned with progressing within AECOM's leadership structure and deepening expertise in a critical infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your approach to developing and executing a market growth strategy for a Design & Build contractor-led segment within a competitive infrastructure market like the UK Water sector."
- Preparation: Focus on your framework for market analysis, opportunity identification, target client selection, service offering alignment, and go-to-market execution. Quantify past successes.
"How would you foster and maintain strong strategic partnerships with key water sector contractors to ensure AECOM's preferred status for D&B opportunities?"
- Preparation: Detail your strategies for relationship building, understanding contractor needs, co-creation of solutions, and demonstrating mutual value. Reference client satisfaction metrics.
"Walk us through your process for leading bid governance and making critical Go/No-Go decisions for major D&B projects. What are the key risk factors you consider?"
- Preparation: Explain your framework for bid evaluation, risk assessment (commercial, technical, reputational), resource allocation, and decision-making criteria.

Company & Culture Questions:

"How do you embody AECOM's value of 'Delivering a Better World' in your leadership approach and business development strategies?"
- Preparation: Connect your past work and leadership style to sustainable infrastructure, societal impact, and long-term client value.
"Describe your experience in championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within your teams and in client engagements. How would you foster this at AECOM?"
- Preparation: Provide specific examples of initiatives you've led or supported to build diverse teams and inclusive cultures.
"How do you ensure Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) is a paramount consideration in all aspects of your business operations and project pursuits?"
- Preparation: Discuss your commitment to SH&E leadership, integration into processes, and driving performance metrics.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Impact-Driven Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around key achievements, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell compelling stories of strategic success, work winning, and leadership.
Quantify Everything Possible: Wherever feasible, use data and metrics (e.g., revenue growth achieved, contract values secured, market share increase, client satisfaction scores improved) to validate your impact.
Focus on D&B Contractor Context: Explicitly highlight your experience and understanding of working with and winning business from D&B contractors. Frame your achievements within this specific client segment.
Demonstrate Leadership & Collaboration: Showcase how you built and led teams, managed stakeholders, and fostered collaboration to achieve strategic objectives.
Visual Aids (if permitted): Use clear, professional slides or documents that summarize key points and data, avoiding overly dense text.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep market knowledge of the UK water D&B contractor space, and a proven track record of business growth and effective team management. Candidates must be ready to articulate their vision and how they align with AECOM's values and operational methodologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the application link provided on AECOM's careers portal.
Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Ensure your CV clearly highlights senior leadership experience, business development success, commercial acumen, and specific expertise in the UK Water sector and Design & Build contractor markets. A cover letter should articulate your strategic vision for this role and why you are the ideal candidate to drive growth for AECOM's D&B services.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a concise portfolio that showcases your most impactful achievements related to market growth strategies, work winning in D&B projects, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and client relationship management. Focus on quantifiable results and strategic impact.
Practice Your Presentation Skills: Be ready to present case studies from your portfolio and articulate your strategic approach to interview challenges, demonstrating clear communication and leadership capabilities.
Research AECOM and the Water Sector: Thoroughly understand AECOM's business, values, and strategic objectives, particularly within the Water UK&I division. Familiarize yourself with current trends, investment drivers, and key players in the UK water infrastructure and D&B contracting landscape.

⚠️ 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.

Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I