Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering a better world through sustainable and innovative solutions. With a strong focus on water, environment, and energy, they are at the forefront of multi-billion-pound investments in the UK&I water sector, offering a collaborative culture and the chance to work on transformative projects.

About This Role

As Head of Design & Build, you will lead AECOM's growth in the contractor-led water market, driving strategy and business development to secure key partnerships with Design & Build contractors. This role places you at the center of the water sector's largest investment cycle, directly shaping sustainable water infrastructure for the UK&I.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team stand-up to review ongoing bids and project progress, followed by meetings with contractor partners to discuss upcoming opportunities. You might then analyze market intelligence to refine the growth strategy, and end the day with a presentation to the Water UK&I leadership team on pipeline and financial performance.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for AECOM

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, particularly within the contractor-led or Design & Build segment, with deep understanding of the UK&I water market dynamics and regulatory environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen and ability to develop and execute market strategies, including client relationship management, bid leadership, and financial performance accountability.
  • Visionary leadership skills to inspire multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in delivery.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, capable of influencing senior leaders and building trust with contractors and clients.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific achievements in water sector growth, such as revenue increases, market share gains, or successful contractor partnerships, using quantifiable metrics.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to the current multi-billion-pound investment cycle in UK&I water, demonstrating your understanding of the market opportunity.

3

Research AECOM's recent water projects and sustainability initiatives, and mention how your leadership aligns with their 'delivering a better world' mission.

4

Emphasize your experience with Design & Build contract models and contractor relationships, as this is a niche requirement critical to the role.

5

Prepare a concise 'elevator pitch' explaining how you would drive growth in the contractor-led space, showing strategic thinking and sector insight.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your track record in growing water businesses, especially with D&B contractors, and your familiarity with UK&I water sector investment cycles.', "Express alignment with AECOM's purpose of building sustainable legacies and your passion for infrastructure that protects public health and the environment.", 'Demonstrate your leadership style and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.', 'Show understanding of the contractor perspective and how you can bridge the gap between client needs and contractor delivery.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent water sector projects and case studies, especially those involving Design & Build delivery models.
  • → Study the UK water industry's regulatory framework (Ofwat, AMP cycles) and upcoming investment plans (e.g., PR24).
  • → Understand AECOM's 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy and how it integrates into water infrastructure projects.
  • → Look into key competitors in the D&B water space and AECOM's current market position.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop and execute a market strategy to grow AECOM's share of the D&B water market in the next 5 years?
2 Describe a time you led a successful bid for a major water infrastructure project with a contractor partner.
3 How do you build and maintain relationships with key contractors and clients in the water sector?
4 What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the current UK&I water investment cycle for D&B contractors?
5 How would you foster innovation and sustainable design within your team while meeting contractor demands for cost and schedule?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid being too generic about water industry experience; specifically emphasize contractor-led or D&B project experience.
  • Don't overlook the importance of business development and commercial growth; focus on your ability to win work, not just manage projects.
  • Avoid a narrow technical focus; this is a leadership role requiring strategic vision and stakeholder management, not just engineering expertise.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →