Water Design & Build Director

Contractor Market Lead, Water UK&I – AECOM

Join AECOM as a Contractor Market Lead and drive the growth of our work with Design and Build contractors in the Water sector. You will be part of the Water UK&I leadership team, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Water, and playing a pivotal role in expanding a key market that is entering a period of multi‑billion‑pound investment.

At AECOM, we deliver a better world. Our global team of over 50,000 professionals partners with clients to solve complex challenges in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, designing assets that protect public health and enhance the environment. We value equity, diversity, and inclusion and are committed to a safe and respectful workplace.

• Report directly to the Managing Director of Water and collaborate closely with the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, and other global Water and Contractor Market teams.
• Lead the development and implementation of a contractor‑led market growth plan aligned with the Water UK&I Strategic Plan.
• Work with Client Account Managers to identify, monitor, and track new opportunities, ensuring proactive positioning and timely entry into business planning systems.
• Increase visibility of AECOM Water’s contractor‑led capability and communicate market strategy through clear and effective internal and external messaging.
• Build strong partnerships with contractors and designers to enable targeted pursuit of high‑value opportunities.
• Drive exceptional client satisfaction through active engagement, performance monitoring, and improvement actions informed by Net Promoter Score feedback.
• Foster a culture where AECOM is recognised as a great place to work by exemplifying AECOM’s values, championing EDI, and promoting employee engagement and continuous development.
• Work with Business Unit Directors to determine medium‑ and long‑term resource needs, leading recruitment for strategic and senior roles.
• Collaborate with teams across Europe and globally to deliver multidisciplinary projects and programmes, showcasing AECOM’s strengths in work winning.
• Hold accountability for major contractor‑led projects and programmes through bid governance and the Go/No‑Go process, while supporting governance for smaller pursuits.
• Lead by example in driving SH&E culture, ensuring effective implementation of AECOM SH&E policies and procedures and achieving core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

• Senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water‑sector supplier.
• Proven success in building and leading leadership teams and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, key contractors, and wider European socio‑political and economic drivers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide growth‑focused leadership, including talent development and coaching.
• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise.
• Track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and growing existing contracts.
• Strong client relationship management capabilities.
• Solid attention to detail with experience delivering effective health & safety initiatives.
• Experienced in motivating and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and adaptable approach to work.

• Demonstrate dedication to driving our inclusion strategy by fostering a culture of respect within your team.
• Build a diverse and inclusive workforce, recruiting and retaining the best talent while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
• Lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, actively seeking diverse perspectives.
• Encourage a work environment where employees can grow, innovate, collaborate, and be their authentic selves.
• Uphold AECOM's values and promote engagement and continuous development among staff within the region.

Flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, AECOM University, technical practice networks, volunteering days, and a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer a disability‑confident interview scheme if you meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please contact Reaso for reasonable accommodation requests.