📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, UK
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Civil Engineering, Water
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (London) 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 analysis and refining propositions to identify new revenue streams
- Cross-functional collaboration and bid development, working closely with marketing, sector leads, and internal teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of the water market to drive sustainable growth and expansion.
📋 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, monitoring market trends, policy shifts, and emerging opportunities
✅ 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 high level of external engagement, requiring excellent communication and collaboration skills to build strong partnerships and drive successful bids.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or a related discipline). A postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA) 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 market
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should possess a strong commercial acumen, industry knowledge, and a proven track record in driving growth and business development.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £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 flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a global organization
- Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on-site and remote work
Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard working week of 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs and international time zones.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. The final salary will be determined through the interview process.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, providing professional services across various sectors, including water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth, diverse project exposure, and international collaboration.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown to become a publicly-traded company with a strong global presence.
Company Description:
- AECOM delivers a better world through its unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities.
- The Water Business prides itself on developing innovative techniques to improve the delivery, efficiency, and sustainable outcomes of its projects, providing a broad range of clients with a full range of Water services across all sectors.
- AECOM is committed to fostering a safe and respectful workplace where employees can bring their whole selves to work, promoting a culture of success through internal relationships and collaboration.
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 project portfolio provide unique opportunities for career growth and development within the water sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Water Business Line Lead or a relevant regional director.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Growth & Business Development will oversee Client Account Managers and Framework Managers, collaborating with other business lines and sector leads on key pursuits and growth initiatives.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site (London) and remote work. The specific balance between on-site and remote work will be determined based on business needs and the employee's preferences.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within AECOM's Water Business or other business lines
- Expanding responsibilities and influence within the UK&I Water Business
- International assignments or secondments to gain experience in different markets and regions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential within a global organization, allowing the successful candidate to make a substantial impact on AECOM's Water Business in the UK and Ireland.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate productivity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 13355 Noel Road, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas 75240, US (Global Headquarters); 300 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, California 90071, US (Regional Headquarters); and other locations worldwide.
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global hub for the water industry, with numerous opportunities for collaboration, networking, and business development
- The UK&I Water Business operates in a dynamic and evolving market, with ongoing infrastructure investment and digital transformation initiatives
- AECOM's global presence enables collaboration with international teams and access to best practices from around the world
Work Schedule: The standard working week is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. Some flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs and international time zones.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible working hours allow for a better work-life balance while still meeting the demands of a senior leadership role.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the recruiter to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and/or other stakeholders
- Final interview with the Water Business Line Lead or a relevant regional director
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Commercial acumen and understanding of the water market
- Strategic thinking and growth mindset
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Proven track record in business development and revenue generation
- Alignment with AECOM's values and company culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in business development and growth strategy within the water sector
- Demonstrate your understanding of the UK&I water market, regulatory frameworks, and industry trends
- Prepare examples of successful bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations you have led in the past
- Showcase your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders
- Follow up with the recruiter after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Revenue Generation, Deal Structuring, Bids Management, Water Market Knowledge, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles, Market Analysis, Client Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, Collaboration, Networking
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the 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, Jira)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Industry-specific software and platforms (e.g., water market intelligence tools, bid management platforms)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to support their work in business development, growth strategy, and bid management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Stewardship
- Respect
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering value for clients
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AECOM's values, particularly in the context of a senior leadership role within the Water Business?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders in a hybrid work environment?
- How do you balance strategic thinking and planning with the day-to-day demands of business development and bid management?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM values a diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees can bring their whole selves to work and contribute to a culture of success through collaboration and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse portfolio of clients, partners, and stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
- Navigating a dynamic and evolving water market, with ongoing regulatory changes and technological advancements
- Balancing short-term business development priorities with long-term growth and strategic objectives
- Working effectively in a hybrid work environment, collaborating with both on-site and remote team members
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
📈 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, with a strategic emphasis on market intelligence, positioning, and cross-functional collaboration
- Compared to other business development roles in the water sector, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and a greater level of strategic influence within a global organization
- Career progression opportunities may include transitioning to a more senior role within AECOM's Water Business or exploring other business lines and regions within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, commercial, and operational responsibilities, providing a strong platform for career growth and development within the water sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive growth strategy for AECOM's Water Business in the UK and Ireland, aligned with corporate goals and market trends
- Leading a major bid for a large-scale water infrastructure project, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring a strong win rate and profitability
- Conducting a thorough market analysis and competitive assessment to refine AECOM's propositions and identify new revenue streams within the water sector
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, commercial, and operational aspects of the Director of Growth & Business Development role, highlighting the diverse range of responsibilities and the impact this position can have on AECOM's Water Business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into AECOM's long-term strategy for the Water Business in the UK and Ireland?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team in achieving these objectives?
- How does AECOM support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly within the Water Business?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the water sector in the UK and Ireland, and how can this role help AECOM address these issues?
- How does AECOM foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and what opportunities are there for me to contribute to this aspect of the company's success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to driving AECOM's success within the water sector.
📌 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, skills, and achievements in business development and growth strategy within the water sector
- Prepare examples of successful bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations you have led in the past
- Demonstrate your understanding of the UK&I water market, regulatory frameworks, and industry trends
- Follow up with the recruiter after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
