📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom (with remote flexibility for Dublin, Ireland)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Business Development, Growth Strategy
🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (office and remote work)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving strategic growth and business development for AECOM's Water business across the UK and Ireland
- Identifying new market opportunities and nurturing strategic partnerships
- Guiding market entry initiatives and long-term business expansion
- Collaborating across business lines and geographies to unlock new opportunities
- Ensuring effective positioning through branding, marketing, and bidding efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong industry knowledge, and excellent communication skills to succeed in driving growth and business development within the water sector.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the UK&I Water Business and collaborate with other business lines and sector leads on key pursuits and growth initiatives
✅ Direct Client Account Managers and Framework Managers to meet clients' needs
✅ 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
✅ Work closely with marketing, and sector leads to align client solutions with capabilities and market directions
✅ Foster internal relationships that promote a culture of success
✅ Coordinate pipeline analysis and bid management to meet business plan targets
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, business development, and project management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Engineering, 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, with a proven record in revenue generation, deal structuring, and leading complex bids in the water sector.
Required Skills:
- 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:
- Experience working in a global organization
- Fluency in additional languages relevant to the UK&I market
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in business development within the water sector and be comfortable working in a dynamic, global organization.
💰 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, including health insurance, pension, and flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization
- Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between office and remote work
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
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: AECOM operates in the Civil Engineering industry, focusing on delivering infrastructure solutions for various sectors, including water, transportation, and buildings.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a global leader in infrastructure consulting and engineering services.
Company Description:
- AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle
- The company specializes in advisory, planning, design, and engineering, as well as program and construction management
- AECOM's clients include public and private sector organizations, and the company operates in over 150 countries worldwide
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 global presence and diverse portfolio of services offer applicants a unique opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to various industries and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, reporting directly to the Water Business Line Lead for the UK and Ireland.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Growth & Business Development will have direct reports, including Client Account Managers and Framework Managers, and will collaborate with other business lines and sector leads.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of office and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the Water Business Line or AECOM's global organization
- Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional regions or business lines
- Development of expertise in specific areas of the water sector or related industries
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally within AECOM's global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's offices are modern, collaborative spaces designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom (with remote flexibility for Dublin, Ireland)
Geographic Context:
- The UK&I region is a strategic market for AECOM, with significant opportunities for growth and development
- The water sector in the UK&I is characterized by a mix of public and private sector clients, with a focus on infrastructure investment and digital transformation
- The region offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities for employees
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in work hours, with a core working day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers employees the best of both worlds, allowing for a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the Water Business Line Lead and other stakeholders
- Final interview with the AECOM UK&I Regional Managing Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Industry knowledge and market awareness
- Communication and interpersonal 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 sector and AECOM's business by conducting thorough research
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles, Market Analysis, Client Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Networking
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, industry knowledge, and cultural fit for the role and AECOM's organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (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 sector databases, market intelligence tools)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role will vary depending on the specific needs of the projects and clients, but strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software is essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Excellence
- Innovation
- One AECOM
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AECOM's company values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing office and remote work?
- How do your personal work style and preferences fit with AECOM's collaborative and results-driven culture?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with AECOM's values and work style, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The water sector is subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, requiring adaptability and resilience
- Balancing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a dynamic, global organization can be challenging
- The hybrid work arrangement may present unique communication and collaboration challenges
- Navigating the UK&I water market may require a strong understanding of regional nuances and market dynamics
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, global organization.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on driving strategic growth and business development within the water sector for a global infrastructure consulting firm
- Compared to other business development roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the water market, regulatory frameworks, and digital transformation
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to cover additional regions or business lines, or moving into a more senior role within AECOM's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic growth and business development within the water sector for a global infrastructure consulting firm.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic growth plan for AECOM's Water business in the UK&I region
- Identifying and pursuing new market opportunities in emerging water technologies and digital transformation
- Leading a complex bid for a major water infrastructure project, ensuring strong win rates and profitability
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, business development, and project management aspects of the role, requiring strong industry knowledge, communication, and collaboration skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into AECOM's long-term growth strategy for the Water business?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does AECOM support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the water sector in the UK&I region, and how can this role drive growth and innovation?
- How does AECOM foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, particularly in a hybrid work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the organization, and the water sector, allowing you to make an informed decision about your application.
📌 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 examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
- Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
