📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, UK (with travel to Edinburgh, UK)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days/week in office)
🔹 Category: Civil Engineering, Water
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic growth leadership across AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland
- Business development and sales, driving new business opportunities and expanding the client base
- Market intelligence and positioning, conducting market analysis and positioning AECOM as a thought leader
- Cross-functional collaboration and bid development, working with marketing and sector leads to align client solutions with capabilities and market directions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the water market to drive growth and success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the UK&I Water Business and collaborate with other business lines and sector leads on key pursuits and growth initiatives
✅ Define and execute a growth strategy aligned with corporate goals, while monitoring market trends, policy shifts, and emerging opportunities to guide investment and innovation
✅ Drive new business opportunities and expand the client base through engagement with public and private sectors, partnerships, and networking
✅ Lead major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring strong win rates and profitability
✅ Represent AECOM at industry forums and manage joint ventures and framework agreements
✅ Conduct market and competitive analysis to refine propositions and identify new revenue streams
✅ Position AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
✅ Coordinate pipeline analysis and bid management to meet business plan targets
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on bid management to achieve business growth objectives.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or a related discipline). A Master's degree would be an asset.
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 in the water sector
- 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, collaboration, and leadership 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:
- Experience working in a global organization
- Fluency in additional languages relevant to the UK&I water market
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record in driving growth and business development within the water sector.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the UK water sector with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible working arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the UK water sector with 10+ years of experience. Actual salary may vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AECOM operates in the Civil Engineering industry, focusing on delivering infrastructure projects and services worldwide.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world
- The company provides professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and construction management
- AECOM's expertise spans various sectors, including water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings
Company Specialties:
- Cities
- Commercial & Residential
- Education
- Governments
- Healthcare
- Industrial
- Leisure & Hospitality
- Oil, Gas & Chemicals
- Power
- Sports & Venues
- Transportation
- and Water
Company Website: www.aecom.com
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's extensive experience and global presence provide a strong foundation for growth and innovation in the water sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, offering significant responsibility and influence over AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I reports directly to the Water Business Line Lead and works closely with regional growth and strategy teams, subject matter experts, and client account leads.
Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid basis, with 2 days per week in the office and the remainder of the time working remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding AECOM's market share and client base in the UK and Ireland
- Developing strategic partnerships and alliances within the water sector
- Gaining exposure to AECOM's global network and opportunities for international collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role will require a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate productivity and innovation.
Office Location(s): London, UK (with travel to Edinburgh, UK)
Geographic Context:
- The UK water market is highly regulated and competitive, with significant investment opportunities in infrastructure development and maintenance
- Edinburgh, UK is home to Scottish Water, one of the largest water companies in the UK, providing ample opportunities for business development
- The UK&I water sector is experiencing digital transformation, presenting new opportunities for innovative solutions and service delivery
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: The UK&I water market presents both challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring a strategic and adaptable approach to business development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with a panel of stakeholders
- Final interview with the Water Business Line Lead
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and growth planning
- Communication and presentation skills
- Market knowledge and industry trends
- Leadership and team management
- Bid management and commercial acumen
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past successes in business development, growth strategy, and bid management
- Research AECOM's Water business and the UK&I water market to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and market trends
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Bid Management, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Market Analysis, Digital Transformation, ESG Principles
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and industry knowledge, as well as their cultural fit with the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Industry-specific software (e.g., water network modeling, asset management, or data analytics tools)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role will depend on AECOM's internal systems and the candidate's areas of focus within the business development process.
👔 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
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Strong commitment to health, safety, and well-being
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AECOM's values, particularly 'Innovation' and 'One AECOM'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work and on-site collaboration?
- How do you approach strategic planning and growth initiatives in a dynamic and evolving market?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, seeking candidates who can thrive in a global, multidisciplinary team environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Navigating a competitive and highly regulated water market
- Balancing strategic growth planning with day-to-day bid management and stakeholder engagement
- Managing a hybrid work arrangement, balancing remote work and on-site collaboration
- Adapting to AECOM's global culture and internal processes
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role will require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability in the face of market challenges and organizational dynamics.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other business development roles, this position focuses specifically on the water sector, requiring deep industry knowledge and expertise
- The UK&I water market presents unique regulatory and competitive dynamics, distinct from other regions
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding into other sectors or taking on additional responsibilities within AECOM's global Water business
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other business development positions, its focus on the water sector and AECOM's global presence make it a unique opportunity for growth and impact.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic growth plan for AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, identifying new market opportunities and investment areas
- Leading a complex bid for a major water infrastructure project, coordinating cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver a winning proposal
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key water utilities, technology providers, and other industry players to expand AECOM's market presence and impact
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on nature of the Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland fit into the company's global strategy, and what are the key priorities for growth in the coming years?
- What are the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the UK&I water market, and how can this role drive AECOM's success in this dynamic environment?
- How does AECOM support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in roles like this one?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how will my progress be measured and evaluated?
- How does AECOM foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and what opportunities exist for me to contribute to this aspect of the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, strategic questions demonstrates your interest in the role and AECOM's success, while also providing valuable insights into the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, business development expertise, and industry knowledge
- Prepare examples of your past successes in business development, growth strategy, and bid management to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the position
- Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
