📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Civil Engineering
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/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 communication skills, and a deep understanding of the water market and its trends.
📋 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 in meeting 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: This role involves a high degree of external engagement, requiring strong networking and relationship-building skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or related discipline) is required. 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 is essential. Proven success in revenue generation, deal structuring, and leading complex bids is required.
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
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the water sector and a proven track record in business development will be most competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and employee stock purchase plan
- Flexible work arrangements, with a hybrid work model
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Employee resource groups and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible work schedule and the option to work from home up to two days per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and program and construction management.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown to become a Fortune 500 firm, with revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024.
Company Description:
- AECOM is committed to delivering 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 at AECOM provides a broad range of clients with a full range of Water services across all sectors, with a team of over 700 professionals spread across the UK and Ireland.
- AECOM is a trusted global infrastructure firm, delivering sustainable legacies for future generations.
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 offer candidates the opportunity to work on a wide range of infrastructure projects and gain exposure to various industries.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Water Business Line Leader.
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 employees working from an AECOM office, remote location, or client site as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the Water Business or AECOM's global organization
- Expanding responsibilities and leading a larger team
- Gaining experience in different sectors or regions within AECOM
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within AECOM, as the company values internal promotions and career development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and productivity.
Office Location(s): AECOM has offices in London, Basingstoke, and other locations across the UK and Ireland.
Geographic Context:
- The UK and Ireland have a well-established water infrastructure and a strong focus on innovation and sustainability in the water sector.
- The region offers a high quality of life, with vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse cultural experiences.
- The UK and Ireland have a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with the option to work from home up to two days per week. The core hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility to accommodate different time zones and project demands.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the best of both worlds, providing the structure and collaboration of an office environment alongside the flexibility and convenience of remote work.
💼 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 Leader
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Communication and presentation skills
- Networking and relationship-building abilities
- Understanding of the water market and trends
- 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 conducting thorough research and incorporating your findings into your application
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the role's responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and AECOM's growth plans
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Infrastructure Cycles, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, Client Account Management, Framework Agreements, Market Intelligence, Strategic Planning
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the role and 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 management platforms, GIS tools)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role will depend on the specific projects and tasks assigned, but strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software is essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Excellence
- Innovation
- One AECOM
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Results-driven and focused on delivering exceptional client service
- Adaptable and open to change
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with AECOM's values, particularly safety, excellence, and innovation?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, inclusive environment and contributing to a culture of success?
- Do you thrive in a results-driven, client-focused work environment?
- Are you adaptable and open to change, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fosters a culture that supports the growth and development of its employees.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The water sector is subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, requiring adaptability and resilience
- The role involves extensive travel and networking, which may impact work-life balance
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining a consistent work environment and fostering team cohesion
- The competitive nature of the water sector may require long hours and tight deadlines to meet business targets
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on growth and business development within the water sector, with a broad scope of responsibilities and a high degree of strategic influence
- Compared to other business development roles, this position offers a more specialized focus on the water sector and a greater emphasis on market intelligence and positioning
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within AECOM's Water Business or other business lines, or to a role as a client account manager or framework manager
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the growth and strategic direction of AECOM's Water Business, with a broad scope of responsibilities and a high degree of strategic influence.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a growth strategy for AECOM's Water Business in the UK and Ireland, including market analysis, competitive landscaping, and strategic planning
- Leading major bids and proposals for water infrastructure projects, including commercial negotiations and contract management
- Managing joint ventures and framework agreements with key clients, including relationship-building, performance monitoring, and contract renewal
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to this role will depend on AECOM's business priorities and market opportunities, but will focus on driving growth and strategic development within the Water Business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does this role fit into AECOM's long-term growth plans for the Water Business?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Water Business, and how can this role address them?
- How does AECOM support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the dynamic like within the Water Business team, and how does this role contribute to its success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to driving success within AECOM's Water Business.
📌 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, with a focus on business development, growth strategy, and water market knowledge
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your past projects and achievements, demonstrating your ability to drive strategic plans and deliver results
- Follow up with the recruiter one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
