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 that builds sustainable legacies through innovative environmental solutions, with a strong focus on creating a better world. Their water business partners with clients to deliver sustainable solutions across water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, designing assets that protect public health and enhance the environment. Working at AECOM means joining a team of approximately 600 water professionals in the UK&I region who apply multidisciplinary expertise to engineer resilient water supplies and effective treatment systems.
About This Role
As Head of Design & Build, you'll lead the growth strategy for contractor-led projects in the water sector, directly driving market expansion and commercial success during a period of multi-billion-pound investment. This role places you at the center of delivering solutions to contractors shaping the future of water infrastructure in the UK&I region. You'll join the Water UK&I leadership team with full accountability for expanding this key market segment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves strategic planning sessions with the Water UK&I leadership team, developing growth strategies for contractor-led projects, and meeting with Design and Build contractors to expand market opportunities. You'll analyze market trends in the water sector, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on sustainable infrastructure solutions, and drive commercial initiatives that align with AECOM's commitment to building a better world through innovative water management.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, specifically with Design and Build contractors in the UK&I water sector
- Deep commercial insight and strategic thinking to drive market growth during the current period of significant infrastructure investment
- Strong leadership capabilities to work within the Water UK&I leadership team and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
- Experience in business development and market strategy specifically focused on contractor-led projects in water infrastructure
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Quantify your experience with Design and Build contractors in the water sector - include specific project values, contractor relationships, and growth metrics
Highlight your understanding of the current multi-billion-pound investment period in UK water infrastructure and how you've capitalized on similar opportunities
Demonstrate your experience working within leadership teams in large organizations like AECOM's 600-person water business
Showcase specific examples of how you've driven market strategy and commercial growth in contractor-led spaces
Tailor your application to emphasize sustainable solutions and innovative infrastructure approaches that align with AECOM's mission
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with Design and Build contractors in the UK water sector and measurable results achieved', "How your leadership approach aligns with AECOM's collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment", 'Your strategic vision for capitalizing on the current multi-billion-pound investment period in water infrastructure', 'Examples of driving sustainable solutions and innovative approaches in previous water infrastructure projects']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → AECOM's specific water projects in the UK&I region, particularly those involving Design and Build contractors
- → The current AMP (Asset Management Plan) period and multi-billion-pound investment landscape in UK water infrastructure
- → AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they're implemented in water infrastructure projects
- → The structure of AECOM's Water UK&I business and their key contractor relationships
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on design experience without emphasizing contractor relationships and commercial growth in Design and Build projects
- Presenting generic leadership experience without specific examples from the water sector and contractor-led work
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the current UK water infrastructure investment landscape and market opportunities
📅 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!