Application Guide

How to Apply for VP, Strategy and Growth Leader (Water)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that builds sustainable legacies through innovative solutions in water, environment, energy, and transportation. With a strong focus on technical excellence and client partnerships, AECOM offers the scale and resources to tackle complex water challenges across the Pacific West region.

About This Role

This VP role leads the Pacific West Water business line, driving growth strategies and major project pursuits in water, wastewater, dams, mining, and water resources. You will shape AECOM’s regional impact, mentor high-performing teams, and build lasting client relationships that address critical water infrastructure needs.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a leadership call reviewing pipeline and financials, followed by a client meeting with a municipal water district to discuss a new wastewater treatment project. Afternoon could involve mentoring a pursuit team on a major dam safety proposal and wrapping up with a strategy session on expanding into mining water services in Nevada.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A seasoned water professional with 15+ years in water/wastewater, dams, mining, or water resources, blending deep technical expertise with client-facing leadership.
  • Proven track record of developing and executing regional growth strategies, including capture planning and winning large-scale projects ($50M+).
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and profitability for a business line or practice.
  • Exceptional relationship builder who has cultivated long-term partnerships with public agencies (e.g., municipal water districts, state water boards) and private sector clients.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific water projects in the Pacific West (CA, OR, WA, AZ) that demonstrate your regional market knowledge and client relationships.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to AECOM’s focus on sustainability and legacy-building, citing examples of innovative solutions you’ve delivered.

3

Quantify your achievements: e.g., 'Led pursuit of $200M water treatment program resulting in 30% revenue growth over 3 years.'

4

Research AECOM’s recent water project wins in the Pacific West (e.g., California water recycling, dam safety programs) and mention how your expertise aligns.

5

Prepare a 30-60-90 day plan outline for the role and include it as a supplement to your application to show strategic thinking.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience leading growth in the Pacific West water market, including specific client relationships and project wins.', 'Highlight your ability to build and mentor multidisciplinary teams, aligning with AECOM’s culture of collaboration and accountability.', 'Demonstrate your understanding of AECOM’s sustainability mission by linking your past work to long-term environmental and community impact.', 'Showcase your financial management skills, particularly in driving profitability and managing P&L for a water business line.']

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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 in the Pacific West, especially in California water recycling and dam safety.
  • → Understand AECOM’s sustainability framework and how it integrates into water infrastructure projects (e.g., climate resilience, net-zero goals).
  • → Look into AECOM’s organizational structure for the Water business line, including key leaders in the Pacific West region.
  • → Check AECOM’s financial reports to understand the company’s growth trajectory and strategic priorities in the water sector.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your approach to developing a regional growth strategy for the Pacific West Water business. What markets would you prioritize and why?
2 Tell us about a time you led a major water project pursuit. How did you structure the capture plan and differentiate AECOM’s proposal?
3 How have you built and maintained relationships with key public sector clients in the water industry? Provide a specific example of a long-term partnership.
4 Walk us through how you would manage financial performance for this business line, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
5 How do you foster innovation and accountability within a multidisciplinary team? Give an example of a challenge you overcame.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t focus solely on technical expertise without demonstrating business development and client relationship skills—this role is about growth and leadership.
  • Avoid generic statements about water experience; be specific to the Pacific West region and the submarkets listed (dams, mining, water resources).
  • Don’t neglect financial management examples—this VP role requires P&L ownership, so show your ability to drive profitability.

📅 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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