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' through innovative environmental and water solutions. Their focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration and resilience in water infrastructure makes them a leader in shaping the future of the UK&I water sector during its current multi-billion-pound investment phase.

About This Role

This Head of Design & Build Director role is pivotal for driving AECOM's growth with Design and Build contractors in the Water UK&I market. You'll lead market strategy and business development, directly influencing how contractors deliver sustainable water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects across the region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves strategic meetings with Design and Build contractors to develop partnership opportunities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on innovative water solutions, analyzing market trends to guide growth strategy, and working with the Water UK&I leadership team to align contractor initiatives with broader business objectives.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in leading and growing water sector businesses, specifically with Design and Build contractors
  • Deep commercial insight and strategic thinking to capitalize on the UK&I water sector's multi-billion-pound investment period
  • Strong leadership skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of approximately 600 water professionals
  • Experience in contractor-led project delivery and market expansion within water infrastructure

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your experience growing water sector businesses with specific metrics (revenue growth, market share, contractor partnerships)

2

Highlight specific Design and Build contractor relationships you've developed in the water infrastructure space

3

Demonstrate understanding of the current UK&I water investment landscape and regulatory environment

4

Show how your leadership style aligns with AECOM's collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to water solutions

5

Connect your experience directly to AECOM's 'sustainable legacies' mission with concrete examples

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with Design and Build contractors in the water sector', "How you've driven growth and market strategy in contractor-led environments", 'Your approach to leading multidisciplinary teams in water infrastructure projects', "Alignment with AECOM's sustainability mission and innovative solutions focus"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • AECOM's recent water sector projects and contractor partnerships in UK&I
  • Current UK water investment programs and regulatory frameworks (PR24, AMP8)
  • AECOM's 'Building Sustainable Legacies' framework and how it applies to water infrastructure
  • The competitive landscape for Design and Build contractors in UK&I water sector

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your strategy for expanding AECOM's Design and Build contractor market share in the current investment climate
2 How you would lead the 600-person water business to deliver innovative contractor solutions
3 Specific examples of growing water sector businesses through contractor partnerships
4 Your approach to balancing commercial growth with sustainable infrastructure delivery
5 How you would collaborate with the Water UK&I leadership team on market expansion
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic leadership experience without specific water sector and contractor focus
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the Design and Build contractor business model
  • Not connecting your experience to AECOM's sustainability mission and collaborative culture

📅 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!