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Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I

AECOM
Full-time
On-site
London, London, City of, United Kingdom
πŸš€ Growth Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I

πŸ”Ή Company: AECOM

πŸ”Ή Location: London, UK (with travel to Cardiff, UK)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Civil Engineering, Water

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 18, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

πŸš€ 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 closely with marketing, sector leads, and other stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills to succeed in driving growth and business development within AECOM's Water business.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the UK&I Water Business and collaborate with other business lines and sector leads on key pursuits and growth initiatives

βœ… Define and execute a growth strategy aligned with corporate goals, while monitoring market trends, policy shifts, and emerging opportunities to guide investment and innovation

βœ… Drive new business opportunities and expand the client base through engagement with public and private sectors, partnerships, and networking

βœ… Lead major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring strong win rates and profitability

βœ… Represent AECOM at industry forums and manage joint ventures and framework agreements

βœ… Conduct market and competitive analysis to refine propositions and identify new revenue streams

βœ… Position AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation

βœ… Foster internal relationships that promote a culture of success and coordinate pipeline analysis and bid management to meet business plan targets

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of external engagement, requiring strong relationship-building skills and the ability to navigate complex market dynamics.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or 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 track 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, 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: Candidates with a strong background in water market dynamics and a proven track record in business development will be most competitive for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£80,000 - Β£120,000 per annum (AI estimate based on industry standards for a senior business development role in the UK water sector)

Benefits:

  • Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and life assurance
  • Flexible working arrangements, with a hybrid work model
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Employee assistance program and well-being initiatives

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The final salary offer will be determined by AECOM's compensation structure and the candidate's negotiation skills.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: AECOM operates in the Civil Engineering industry, with a focus on delivering infrastructure projects across various sectors, including Water.

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 professional services, providing consulting, engineering, construction, and operations services to clients worldwide.

Company Description:

  • AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world through innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions
  • The company offers a wide range of services, including water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings
  • AECOM's teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle

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 global presence and diverse portfolio of services provide candidates with opportunities to work on complex, high-profile projects and collaborate with experienced professionals from various disciplines.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Water Business Line Lead or a similar executive position.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I will have direct reports, including Client Account Managers and Framework Managers, and will collaborate with regional growth and strategy teams, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The candidate can expect to spend 2-3 days per week in the office, with the remaining time working remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to a more senior role within AECOM's Water business or other business lines
  • Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional regions or service lines
  • Development of leadership and management skills through mentoring and coaching opportunities

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within AECOM, taking on more responsibilities and advancing their careers as the company continues to expand and evolve.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in London, with regular travel to the Cardiff office and other locations as needed.

Geographic Context:

  • London is a major global city with a thriving water industry, providing ample opportunities for business development and growth
  • Cardiff is the capital of Wales and home to several water utilities and infrastructure projects
  • The UK&I water market is dynamic and evolving, with significant investment in infrastructure and digital transformation

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines or attend industry events.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable with regular travel and have the ability to work effectively in both office and remote environments.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or HR representative
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
  • Final interview with the Water Business Line Lead or another senior executive
  • Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Commercial acumen and business development skills
  • Market knowledge and understanding of the water sector
  • Strategic thinking and planning abilities
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience in business development, growth strategy, or commercial leadership within the water sector
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of the UK&I water market, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure cycles
  • Showcase your ability to drive strategic plans and work across multidisciplinary teams
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role and AECOM's company culture
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and cultural fit

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Infrastructure Cycles, Strategic Planning, Team Management, Communication Skills

ASSUMPTION: AECOM's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential to contribute to the company's long-term success.

πŸ› οΈ 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 and platforms (e.g., water market intelligence tools, bid management systems)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to support their work in business development, market analysis, and project management.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Safety
  • Quality
  • Integrity
  • Innovation
  • One AECOM
  • Respect
  • Excellence
  • Stewardship
  • Teamwork

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and inclusive
  • Results-driven and focused on delivering value to clients
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you align with AECOM's core values and work style?
  • Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote work?
  • Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced business development role?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with AECOM's values and work style, as well as the ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a diverse portfolio of clients and projects, each with its unique requirements and priorities
  • Navigating a complex and evolving water market, with shifting regulatory frameworks and industry trends
  • Balancing short-term business development goals with long-term strategic objectives
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to tackle these challenges head-on, leveraging their skills, experience, and AECOM's resources to drive success.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on driving growth and business development within AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland
  • Compared to other business development roles in the water sector, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and the opportunity to shape the company's long-term strategy
  • Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within AECOM's Water business or other business lines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider this role's unique aspects and the potential for growth and development within AECOM's organization.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a strategic growth plan for AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, targeting key market segments and opportunities
  • Leading a major bid for a large-scale water infrastructure project, coordinating cross-functional teams and driving a successful outcome
  • Building and strengthening relationships with key clients, such as water utilities and government agencies, to expand AECOM's service offerings and market presence

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

  • What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does this role collaborate with other business lines and sector leads within AECOM?
  • What are the key challenges facing AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, and how can this role address them?
  • How does AECOM support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role's expectations, AECOM's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.

πŸ“Œ 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
  • Prepare for the interview by researching AECOM's company culture, values, and recent projects
  • Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest and ask any questions
  • If invited for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience, skills, and alignment with AECOM's values and work style

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.