London Hybrid Employment

AECOM is hiring a Design & Build Director, Water UK&I

About the Role

The Design & Build Director will lead the growth of AECOM's work with Design and Build contractors in the Water sector across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to the Managing Director of Water, this role is responsible for developing and executing a market strategy to expand AECOM’s presence in contractor-led projects, leveraging deep sector knowledge and strong relationships within the UK water market.

What You'll Do

  • Report directly to the Managing Director of Water and collaborate closely with Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams
  • Lead the development and implementation of a contractor-led market growth plan aligned with the Water UK&I Strategic Plan
  • Work with Client Account Managers to identify, monitor, and track new opportunities, ensuring proactive positioning and timely entry into business planning systems
  • Increase visibility of AECOM Water’s contractor-led capability and communicate market strategy through clear and effective internal and external messaging
  • Build strong partnerships with contractors and designers to enable targeted pursuit of high-value opportunities
  • Drive exceptional client satisfaction through active engagement, performance monitoring, and improvement actions informed by Net Promoter Score feedback
  • Foster a culture where AECOM is recognised as a great place to work by exemplifying AECOM’s values, championing EDI, and promoting employee engagement and continuous development
  • Work with Business Unit Directors to determine medium and long-term resource needs, leading recruitment for strategic and senior roles
  • Collaborate with teams across Europe and globally to deliver multidisciplinary projects and programmes, showcasing AECOM’s strengths in work winning
  • Hold accountability for major contractor-led projects and programmes through bid governance and the Go/No-Go process, while supporting governance for smaller pursuits
  • Lead by example in driving SH&E culture, ensuring effective implementation of AECOM SH&E policies and procedures and achieving core SH&E metrics for the Water business

What We're Looking For

  • Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses
  • Demonstrated experience in business development, bidding, and delivering major projects
  • Experience in strategy implementation
  • In-depth understanding of the UK Water market and contractors operating within it
  • Understanding of the social, political, and economic drivers influencing the UK water sector
  • Extensive experience in leading diverse teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience in planning, designing, and delivering projects
  • Experience implementing data-led performance improvements
  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

Team & Environment

Part of a multidisciplinary team of circa 600 people within the Water UK&I business unit, reporting to the Managing Director of Water.

Benefits & Compensation

  • Career development opportunities
  • Flexible hybrid working model to ensure work-life balance
  • Technical practice networks
  • AECOM University
  • Volunteering days

Work Mode

Flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle.

AECOM is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and fosters a culture where all employees are valued and respected.

Required Skills
business developmentbiddingproject deliverystrategy implementationUK water marketcontractor managementwater sector regulationleadershipgrowth managementpolitical driverseconomic drivers business developmentbiddingproject deliverystrategy implementationUK water marketcontractor managementwater sector regulationleadershipgrowth managementpolitical driverseconomic drivers
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About company
AECOM
AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering solutions in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The company partners with public- and private-sector clients to solve complex challenges and build legacies through advisory, planning, design, engineering, and construction management. A Fortune 500 firm with $16.1 billion revenue in fiscal year 2025.
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Job Details
Category management
Posted 3 hours ago