Application Guide

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

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, committed to delivering sustainable solutions that address the world's most complex challenges. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AECOM offers the opportunity to work on impactful water projects that shape communities and protect the environment.

About This Role

As Head of Design & Build for Water UK&I, you will lead the growth strategy for contractor-led projects, driving multi-billion-pound investments in water infrastructure. This role places you at the heart of the UK water sector's transformation, overseeing business development, bidding, and delivery to build sustainable legacies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing pipeline opportunities with your business development team, meeting with key contractor clients to discuss upcoming tenders, and collaborating with technical leads to ensure bids are competitive and sustainable. You'll also spend time analyzing market trends and reporting progress to the Water UK&I leadership team.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, specifically with Design and Build contractors in the UK water sector.
  • Strong commercial insight and experience in business development, bidding, and delivery of large-scale water infrastructure projects.
  • Highly motivated, organized, and proactive leader with the ability to drive market strategy and team performance.
  • Deep sector knowledge of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, including regulatory and investment cycles like AMP periods.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience with Design and Build contractors in the water sector, including project examples and revenue growth.

2

Quantify your achievements in business development, such as win rates, contract values, or market share expansion.

3

Demonstrate leadership in cross-functional teams and your role in shaping water market strategy.

4

Include a cover letter that explicitly addresses how you will drive growth in the contractor-led space and align with AECOM's sustainability goals.

5

Research AECOM's recent water projects and AMP7/AMP8 investments to show your knowledge of current market trends.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with Design and Build contractors and your understanding of their unique needs and challenges.', 'Highlight your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitable growth in the water sector.', 'Showcase your leadership in winning and delivering large-scale water infrastructure projects.', "Align your personal values with AECOM's mission of delivering a better world through sustainable infrastructure."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent press releases and case studies on water projects, especially those involving Design and Build contractors.
  • → Understand the UK water industry's AMP (Asset Management Period) cycle and current investment priorities (AMP7/AMP8).
  • → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's sustainability framework and how it applies to water infrastructure.
  • → Research key competitors in the water design and build space and AECOM's differentiators.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop and execute a growth strategy for Design and Build contractors in the UK water market?
2 Describe a time you successfully led a bidding process for a major water project. What was your approach?
3 How do you balance cost, quality, and sustainability in contractor-led projects?
4 What are the key trends and challenges in the UK water sector, and how would you position AECOM to address them?
5 How would you build and manage a team to support the Design & Build market?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; tailor every part specifically to the water sector and contractor-led focus.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical design without emphasizing commercial and business development skills.
  • Don't overlook the importance of team leadership and strategic vision; this role is about growth, not just delivery.

📅 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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