Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM stands out as a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to 'building sustainable legacies,' focusing on innovative solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Their emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and technical expertise in the water sector, combined with a remote work model, offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful environmental projects while enjoying flexibility.
About This Role
This role involves leading the growth of AECOM's Design & Build contractor business in the UK&I water sector, with full accountability for market strategy and expansion during a period of multi-billion-pound investment. As part of the Water UK&I leadership team, you'll shape sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance public health and environmental resilience, directly contributing to AECOM's mission of delivering a better world.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve strategizing with the Water UK&I leadership team on market expansion plans, collaborating remotely with multidisciplinary engineers on contractor-led projects, and engaging with clients to develop sustainable water infrastructure solutions. You'll balance commercial discussions with technical oversight, ensuring alignment with AECOM's goals for growth and environmental impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, with specific experience in contractor-led markets and business development.
- Deep sector knowledge of the UK&I water industry, including awareness of current multi-billion-pound investment trends and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong commercial insight and strategic thinking to drive market expansion and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on innovative solutions.
- Leadership skills to manage a team within a 600-person water business, fostering collaboration and accountability in a remote setting.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in growing water sector businesses, especially with Design & Build contractors, using quantifiable metrics like revenue growth or project scale.
Research AECOM's recent water projects in the UK&I, such as wastewater treatment or stormwater management initiatives, and reference them to show alignment with their sustainable legacy focus.
Emphasize your experience in remote leadership and collaboration, as this role is remote but requires close work with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
Demonstrate knowledge of the current investment boom in the UK&I water sector by mentioning specific trends or opportunities you'd leverage for growth.
Use keywords from the job description like 'contractor-led space,' 'market strategy,' and 'sustainable solutions' to pass ATS filters and show relevance.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Highlight your proven track record in driving growth within the water sector, specifically with Design & Build contractors, and how it aligns with AECOM's expansion goals.", 'Discuss your strategic approach to market development during periods of high investment, emphasizing commercial insight and leadership in remote settings.', "Connect your experience to AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies, citing examples of innovative infrastructure solutions you've led or contributed to.", 'Express enthusiasm for joining the Water UK&I leadership team and contributing to multidisciplinary projects that enhance environmental and public health outcomes.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AECOM's recent water sector projects in the UK&I, such as their work on wastewater treatment plants or flood management systems, to understand their technical expertise and client base.
- → Study the company's sustainability reports and 'Building Sustainable Legacies' initiative to grasp their environmental commitments and how this role supports them.
- → Investigate the current investment trends and regulatory changes in the UK&I water industry, including key contractors and upcoming projects, to demonstrate market awareness.
- → Explore AECOM's remote work culture and leadership structure within the Water UK&I team to tailor your application to their operational style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without specific examples of experience with Design & Build contractors in the water sector, as this role requires niche expertise.
- Failing to address the remote aspect of the job, such as not highlighting remote leadership skills or collaboration tools you've used in past roles.
- Overlooking AECOM's focus on sustainability and innovation, by not connecting your experience to environmental solutions or multidisciplinary teamwork in your materials.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!