Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that builds sustainable legacies through innovative solutions. With a focus on water, environment, and energy, they offer a collaborative culture and the chance to work on multi-billion-pound projects that shape the future of water infrastructure.
About This Role
As Head of Design & Build, you'll lead growth and market strategy for the contractor-led water sector, joining the Water UK&I leadership team. This role places you at the center of delivering solutions during a period of massive investment, directly impacting public health and environmental resilience.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing project performance and commercial metrics, followed by a strategy meeting with the Water UK&I leadership team. You'd then spend time with key contractor clients, discussing pipeline opportunities, and later review bid proposals to ensure alignment with growth targets.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, particularly with Design and Build contractors.
- Strong commercial insight and business development skills, with experience in bidding and delivering large-scale water projects.
- Highly motivated, organized, and proactive leader who can drive growth and market strategy.
- Deep sector knowledge of the UK water industry, including regulatory frameworks and key contractors.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Highlight specific examples of growing revenue or market share in the contractor-led water space.
Demonstrate your understanding of the current AMP8 investment cycle and its implications for D&B contractors.
Tailor your CV to show leadership of multidisciplinary teams and direct P&L accountability.
Include metrics on successful bids or project deliveries for water infrastructure projects.
Mention any experience working with key UK water contractors like Kier, Galliford Try, or Balfour Beatty.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for expanding AECOM's D&B market presence in the water sector.", 'Specific examples of leading growth strategies and winning work with contractors.', "Your alignment with AECOM's commitment to sustainability and legacy-building.", 'How your leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation in multidisciplinary teams.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AECOM's recent water sector projects and press releases, especially D&B partnerships.
- → Understand AECOM's sustainability commitments (e.g., net zero goals) and how they apply to water projects.
- → Research the UK water industry's AMP8 framework and key regulatory drivers.
- → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's key competitors (e.g., Jacobs, Mott MacDonald) and their D&B strategies.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on technical design rather than commercial and growth strategy.
- Not showing specific knowledge of the UK water D&B market and key players.
- Being vague about your leadership experience and P&L accountability.
📅 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!