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. Their water business in the UK&I (circa 600 people) partners with clients to design resilient water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, placing them at the forefront of multi-billion-pound investments in the sector.

About This Role

As Head of Design & Build, you will lead AECOM's growth in the contractor-led water market, driving market strategy and expanding key client relationships. This role sits on the Water UK&I leadership team, giving you direct accountability for shaping the future of water infrastructure delivery through design and build projects.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day starts with reviewing pipeline opportunities and market intelligence, then leading a virtual team meeting to align on growth initiatives. You'll spend time on calls with contractor partners to discuss upcoming bids, followed by strategy sessions with the Water UK&I leadership team. Afternoons involve reviewing commercial proposals, mentoring direct reports, and preparing for client presentations.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proven leader with a track record of growing a water business, including business development and winning work with Design and Build contractors.
  • Deep sector knowledge of the UK water industry, including regulatory frameworks (e.g., AMP cycles, Ofwat) and contractor delivery models.
  • Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage P&L, negotiate contracts, and build strategic partnerships.
  • Highly motivated, organized, and proactive, with the ability to inspire multidisciplinary teams and drive growth in a remote setting.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience with Design and Build contractors in the water sector, including contract values and outcomes.

2

Quantify your business development achievements (e.g., revenue growth, new client wins, market share increase) with concrete numbers.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of the current AMP8 investment cycle and how you have positioned previous companies to capitalize on similar opportunities.

4

Mention any experience leading remote or distributed teams, as this role is remote and requires self-motivation.

5

Include examples of cross-functional collaboration with engineering, commercial, and project delivery teams to deliver design and build projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your strategic vision for growing AECOM's contractor-led water business in the UK&I market.", 'Specific examples of successful business development with Design and Build contractors, including challenges overcome.', 'Your leadership philosophy and how you drive growth while maintaining technical excellence and sustainability.', "Alignment with AECOM's commitment to delivering sustainable legacies and innovative infrastructure solutions."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's recent water sector projects and their approach to design and build delivery (check their website and case studies).
  • → Current AMP8 investment plans for major UK water companies (e.g., Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities).
  • → AECOM's sustainability commitments and how they integrate into water infrastructure projects.
  • → Key Design and Build contractors in UK water (e.g., MWH Treatment, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try) and their recent partnerships.

💬 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 presence with Design and Build contractors?
2 Describe a time you turned around a underperforming business line or won a major contract with a contractor.
3 What are the key challenges and opportunities in the current AMP8 cycle for design and build in water?
4 How do you build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers at contractor organizations?
5 How would you lead a remote team to achieve growth targets while ensuring collaboration and accountability?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing the water sector or design and build specifically.
  • Overemphasizing technical design skills rather than business development and leadership experience.
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the contractor's perspective and how AECOM adds value in a design and build context.

📅 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!

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