📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Water, Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 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 strategic mindset, strong industry knowledge, and excellent communication skills to drive growth and success in 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
✅ 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
✅ 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 networking and relationship-building skills to succeed.
🎯 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.
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 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 experience in the water sector and a strong track record in business development will be most competitive for this role.
💰 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 benefits
- Hybrid work options and flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, but flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or client needs
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 operates in the Civil Engineering industry, focusing on infrastructure consulting and delivery.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally, providing opportunities for career growth and diverse project exposure.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle.
- The company focuses on advisory, planning, design, engineering, program, and construction management across various sectors, including water, energy, transportation, and buildings.
- AECOM is committed to delivering sustainable legacies for future generations and fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
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 extensive experience and global presence offer applicants a unique opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, requiring strategic decision-making and leadership skills.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Growth & Business Development reports directly to the Water Business Line Lead and collaborates with other business lines and sector leads.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a combination of remote and on-site work, allowing for flexibility and a better work-life balance.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior leadership role within AECOM's Water business or other business lines
- Expanding responsibilities and team leadership opportunities as the business grows
- Broadening industry knowledge and expertise through working on diverse projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on AECOM's Water business and the broader industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- The UK water sector is dynamic and evolving, with significant investment in infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives.
- London is a major hub for the water industry, with numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration with key stakeholders.
- The UK&I region offers a diverse range of water-related projects and clients, providing exposure to various market segments and challenges.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with standard office hours and the option to work remotely for part of the week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central London location provide a good balance between work-life flexibility and access to industry opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR team to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
- Face-to-face or video interview with the Water Business Line Lead and other key stakeholders
- Final interview with the AECOM UK&I Regional Executive
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the water market
- Strategic thinking and growth planning capabilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proven track record in business development and bid management
- Cultural fit and alignment with AECOM's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the water sector and AECOM's business by referencing specific projects or initiatives
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving and leadership skills
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Water Sector, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles, Market Analysis, Thought Leadership
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's interview process is thorough and designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and 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 analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage projects, analyze data, and communicate with stakeholders.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Stewardship
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective success
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for clients
- Adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions and client needs
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with AECOM's values and commitment to delivering a better world?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment and balancing remote and on-site work?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and results-driven work culture?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's culture is inclusive, diverse, and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse portfolio of projects and clients with varying priorities and demands
- Navigating a competitive and evolving water market, with shifting regulatory frameworks and industry trends
- Balancing strategic growth initiatives with day-to-day operational responsibilities
- Adapting to AECOM's global organization structure and working with teams across different time zones
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other business development roles in the water sector, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and a more strategic focus.
- Industry-specific context: The UK water sector is highly regulated and competitive, with significant investment in infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives.
- Career path comparison: This role provides an opportunity to progress to senior leadership positions within AECOM's Water business or other business lines.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and the water sector is crucial for applicants to assess their fit and potential for success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a growth strategy for AECOM's Water business in the UK and Ireland, including market analysis, strategic partnerships, and targeted bidding
- Leading a major bid for a large-scale water infrastructure project, involving cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Positioning AECOM as a thought leader in digital water and ESG principles, through targeted marketing campaigns and industry events
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the Director of Growth & Business Development role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other business lines and sector leads within AECOM?
- What are the key challenges facing the water sector in the UK and Ireland, and how can this role address them?
- What opportunities exist for growth and development within AECOM's Water business and the broader organization?
- How does AECOM support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in a hybrid work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
📌 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 business, the water sector, and the specific requirements of the role
- Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest and ask any questions you may have
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
