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

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I

🔹 Company: AECOM

🔹 Location: London, St Albans, UK

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Civil Engineering, Water

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site 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, ensuring AECOM is a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
• 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 a deep understanding of the water market to drive growth and success for AECOM’s Water business.

📋 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

✅ 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 communication and collaboration skills to build and maintain strategic partnerships and win business for AECOM.

🎯 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 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 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 a strong commercial background and a deep understanding of the water market will be best suited for this role. Relevant experience in business development, growth strategy, or commercial leadership is essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (AI estimate based on market research and company size)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
• Employee discounts and wellness programs
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research and company size. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: AECOM operates in the Civil Engineering industry, focusing on infrastructure projects and services. The company is a global leader in delivering a better world through its technical expertise and innovative solutions.

Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the business.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a Fortune 500 firm, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle.

Company Description:

• AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management.
• The company works with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions in transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.
• AECOM is committed to delivering a better world through its technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities.

Company Specialties:

• Cities
• Commercial & Residential
• Education
• Governments
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Leisure & Hospitality
• Oil, Gas & Chemicals
• Power
• Sports & Venues
• Transportation
• and Water

Company Website: aecom.com

ASSUMPTION: AECOM's large size and global presence provide applicants with numerous opportunities for career growth and development. The company's focus on delivering a better world through infrastructure projects makes it an attractive choice for professionals seeking to make a positive impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior leadership level, requiring extensive experience and a strategic mindset to drive growth and success for AECOM’s Water business.

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 on key pursuits and growth initiatives.

Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of on-site and remote work. The specific balance between on-site and remote work may vary depending on business needs and personal circumstances.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within AECOM’s Water business or other business lines
• Expanding responsibilities and leading a team of business development professionals
• Gaining exposure to diverse projects and clients, fostering career growth and development

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities, lead teams, and gain exposure to diverse projects and clients.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): London, St Albans, UK (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements)

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global city with a thriving business ecosystem, offering numerous networking opportunities and access to key clients and stakeholders
• St Albans is a historic city located approximately 20 miles north of London, providing a more suburban work environment with easy access to the capital
• The UK&I region is a significant market for AECOM, with numerous infrastructure projects and growth opportunities

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements. The specific work schedule may vary depending on business needs and personal circumstances.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers applicants the best of both worlds, with the opportunity to work on-site in modern, collaborative offices and remotely from the comfort of their own home.

💼 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
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders, focusing on technical skills, experience, and cultural fit
• Final round interview with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with AECOM’s values
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and growth mindset
• Commercial acumen and business development skills
• Market knowledge and understanding of the water sector
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Leadership potential and cultural fit

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments in business development, growth strategy, or commercial leadership within the water sector
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience driving growth, winning business, and building strategic partnerships
• Research AECOM’s Water business and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the market and potential growth opportunities
• Demonstrate your alignment with AECOM’s values and commitment to delivering a better world through infrastructure projects

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Infrastructure Cycles, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, Strategic Planning, Market Intelligence, Thought Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Bid Management, ESG Principles, Industry Trends

ASSUMPTION: AECOM’s recruitment process is designed to assess candidates’ technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and market knowledge throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
• 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 are standard for business development and project management. Applicants should have experience with relevant software and platforms and be comfortable learning new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Safety
• Excellence
• Innovation
• One AECOM
• Respect
• Integrity
• Quality
• Never Stop Learning

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering exceptional client service
• Adaptable and responsive 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, team-oriented environment and driving results through exceptional client service?
• Do you have experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapting to change?
• Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development?

ASSUMPTION: AECOM’s values and work style emphasize safety, excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Applicants should assess their alignment with these values and work style preferences before applying for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The water sector is subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, requiring a strong understanding of market trends and regulatory frameworks
• Business development and growth strategy roles can be demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines during critical bid periods
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance and fostering team cohesion
• The role requires extensive travel, which may impact personal and family commitments

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider the potential challenges associated with this role and assess their ability to manage these challenges effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other business development and growth strategy positions within the water sector, but with a focus on driving strategic growth and positioning AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
• The water sector is a mature market with established competitors, but also presents significant growth opportunities through digital transformation, ESG integration, and infrastructure investment
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities, leading teams, or transitioning to a more senior role within AECOM’s Water business or other business lines

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should compare this role to similar positions within the water sector and assess the unique opportunities and challenges it presents.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic growth plan for AECOM’s Water business in the UK and Ireland, focusing on key market segments and priority pursuits
• Leading a major bid for a large-scale water infrastructure project, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring a strong win rate
• Conducting market and competitive analysis to refine AECOM’s propositions and identify new revenue streams in the water sector

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, business development, and market intelligence aspects of the role. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their experience and skills in these areas during the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current state of the water market in the UK and Ireland, and how this role will contribute to AECOM’s growth strategy?
• How does AECOM differentiate itself from competitors in the water sector, and what opportunities exist for growth and innovation?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does AECOM support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in business development and growth strategy roles?
• What is the company’s approach to work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help applicants assess the strategic priorities, growth opportunities, and cultural fit of the role within AECOM’s Water business.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments in business development, growth strategy, or commercial leadership within the water sector
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience driving growth, winning business, and building strategic partnerships
• Research AECOM’s Water business and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the market and potential growth opportunities
• Demonstrate your alignment with AECOM’s values and commitment to delivering a better world through infrastructure projects
• Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest in the role 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.