📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Civil Engineering
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the growth of AECOM’s Water business across the UK and Ireland
- Identifying new market opportunities and nurturing strategic partnerships
- Coordinating end-market work-winning activities and ensuring effective positioning
- Collaborating across business lines and geographies to unlock new opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong industry knowledge, and excellent communication skills to succeed.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the growth of AECOM’s Water business across the UK and Ireland
✅ Identifying new market opportunities and nurturing strategic partnerships
✅ Coordinating end-market work-winning activities and ensuring effective positioning
✅ Collaborating across business lines and geographies to unlock new opportunities
✅ Leading major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations
✅ Representing AECOM at industry forums and managing joint ventures and framework agreements
✅ Conducting market and competitive analysis to refine propositions and identify new revenue streams
✅ Positioning AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
✅ Working closely with marketing, sector leads, and other stakeholders to align client solutions with capabilities and market directions
✅ Fostering internal relationships that promote a culture of success
✅ Coordinating pipeline analysis and bid management to meet business plan targets
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, business development, and project management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or a related discipline)
Experience: Extensive experience (10+ years) in business development, growth strategy, or commercial leadership within the water sector
Required Skills:
- Proven record in revenue generation, deal structuring, and leading complex bids
- Strong knowledge of the water market, including regulatory frameworks, infrastructure cycles (AMP), and digital transformation
- Well-established network in water utilities, infrastructure, or technology sectors
- Experience with public sector procurement and framework agreements
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Proven ability to drive strategic plans and work across multidisciplinary teams
- Solid understanding of ESG principles in a water context
- Awareness of industry trends in Europe and India
Preferred Skills:
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience working in a global organization
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record in business development and a deep understanding of the water market.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the UK water sector)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Flexible work arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Employee referral program
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the UK water sector. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Civil Engineering, focusing on infrastructure development and management
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and internal mobility
Founded: 1990, with a rich history and extensive global presence
Company Description:
- AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world
- Provides professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory and planning to program and construction management
- Works with public- and private-sector clients on projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment
Company Specialties:
- Cities
- Commercial & Residential
- Education
- Governments
- Healthcare
- Industrial
- Leisure & Hospitality
- Oil, Gas & Chemicals
- Power
- Sports & Venues
- Transportation
- and Water
Company Website: http://www.aecom.com
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's extensive global presence and diverse project portfolio offer candidates the opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to various industries and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director, responsible for driving strategic growth and business development initiatives
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Water Business Line Lead, collaborating with regional growth and strategy teams, subject matter experts, and client account leads
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and impact based on successful performance
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and gain exposure to diverse industries and markets
- Access to professional development and career growth opportunities within AECOM's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, with potential for significant career growth and impact.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global hub for the water industry, offering ample networking and professional development opportunities
- The UK water market is highly regulated and dynamic, presenting unique challenges and growth prospects
- The role's hybrid nature allows for flexibility in work arrangements and better work-life balance
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the best of both worlds, allowing them to balance work and personal responsibilities while maintaining a strong connection to AECOM's collaborative office culture.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
- Final interview with the Water Business Line Lead
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and market trends
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with AECOM's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the water market and AECOM's business by providing specific examples and insights
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
- Research AECOM's recent projects and industry initiatives to show your enthusiasm and preparation
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles, Market Analysis, Client Engagement, Networking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Thought Leadership
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, industry knowledge, and cultural fit, with a focus on identifying strong business leaders who can drive growth and innovation within the Water business.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Industry-specific software and platforms (e.g., water market intelligence tools, bid management systems)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for business development and project management professionals, with industry-specific tools and platforms being essential for success in the water sector.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Quality
- Integrity
- Innovation
- One AECOM
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive team environment
- Focus on strategic thinking and continuous improvement
- Encouragement of creative problem-solving and innovation
- Strong emphasis on safety, quality, and integrity in all aspects of work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AECOM's core values, particularly 'Innovation' and 'One AECOM'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site collaboration and remote work?
- What is your preferred work style, and how does it fit with AECOM's collaborative and innovative culture?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and integrity. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and be open to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Navigating the complex and highly regulated UK water market
- Balancing strategic planning and execution with day-to-day business development activities
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities across business lines and geographies
- Adapting to AECOM's global organization and learning its unique culture and processes
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the strategic and cross-functional nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other business development positions in the water sector due to its strategic focus and cross-functional scope, requiring a broader range of skills and experience
- The UK water market is highly regulated and dynamic, presenting unique challenges and growth prospects compared to other regions
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding its scope or transitioning to a regional or global leadership position within AECOM's Water business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, with potential for significant career growth and impact.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic growth plan for AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, identifying new market opportunities and partnerships
- Leading a major bid for a large-scale water infrastructure project, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring a successful outcome
- Conducting a comprehensive market analysis of the UK water sector, identifying trends, and refining AECOM's propositions to capitalize on emerging opportunities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and high-impact nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into AECOM's global Water business strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the UK water market, and how can this role address them?
- How does AECOM support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in business development roles?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
- How does AECOM's hybrid work arrangement balance the need for collaboration and flexibility, and what tools and resources are provided to support remote work?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the role's strategic fit, career growth potential, and alignment with AECOM's culture and work arrangements.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
- Research AECOM's recent projects and industry initiatives to show your enthusiasm and preparation
- Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn one week after submission to express your interest and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
