Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Director, Capture Management Lead - Water

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering a better world through sustainable solutions. Their focus on innovation and collaboration offers employees the chance to work on impactful water projects that shape communities and the environment.

About This Role

As Technical Director and Capture Management Lead for Water, you will spearhead high-value pursuits (£25m+), driving strategy from opportunity identification to submission. This role is pivotal in securing transformative water projects that align with AECOM's mission to build sustainable legacies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a pipeline review meeting, assessing new water opportunities and prioritizing pursuits. You'd then collaborate with regional teams to refine capture strategies, followed by client calls to nurture relationships. Afternoons could involve bid budget reviews, governance checkpoints, or mentoring junior staff on best practices.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A seasoned capture management professional with 10+ years in the water or infrastructure sector, adept at leading large-scale, multi-million-pound pursuits.
  • A strategic thinker who can craft winning positioning strategies, analyze competitive landscapes, and build a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities.
  • A collaborative leader skilled in fostering cross-functional teamwork across global and regional business lines, driving cultural change, and mentoring teams.
  • An exceptional client relationship builder with a proven track record of nurturing long-term partnerships and understanding stakeholder needs in the water industry.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific examples of leading enterprise-level pursuits (e.g., £25m+ water projects) and the outcomes achieved, such as win rates or revenue growth.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of the UK water sector's regulatory landscape (e.g., Ofwat, AMP cycles) and how you've navigated it to secure wins.

3

Showcase experience with AECOM's core values: sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description like 'capture management' and 'client positioning'.

4

Tailor your CV to emphasize both technical water expertise and commercial acumen, including bid budget management and governance.

5

Include a brief cover letter that directly addresses how your leadership style aligns with AECOM's culture of operational excellence and team mentoring.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for sustainable water infrastructure and how it aligns with AECOM's mission to build legacies.", 'Specific examples of leading capture strategies for water projects, emphasizing your role in winning and the value delivered.', 'Your approach to building client relationships and navigating complex stakeholder environments in the water sector.', 'How you drive cultural change and mentor teams to implement best practices in pursuit management.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review AECOM's recent water project wins and case studies, especially in the UK, to understand their approach and client base.
  • Study AECOM's sustainability commitments and how they integrate into water projects (e.g., net-zero goals, digital twins).
  • Familiarize yourself with the UK water industry's current challenges (e.g., aging infrastructure, climate resilience) and AECOM's solutions.
  • Explore AECOM's culture and values on their careers page, particularly their focus on 'technical excellence' and 'collaboration'.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a major water pursuit from start to finish. What was your strategy, and how did you overcome challenges?
2 How do you stay informed about the UK water market trends and regulatory changes, and how do you incorporate them into capture planning?
3 Tell us about a situation where you had to influence senior stakeholders or cross-functional teams without direct authority.
4 How do you balance competitive positioning with client relationship management to ensure long-term success?
5 Discuss your experience with bid budget management and governance in complex, multi-region pursuits.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic: Avoid vague statements about 'leadership' without concrete examples of capture management wins.
  • Ignoring the enterprise-level focus: Don't focus on small projects; emphasize experience with large, complex pursuits (£25m+).
  • Neglecting cultural fit: Avoid being overly transactional; show your ability to mentor teams and drive cultural change.

📅 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!