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

AECOM
Full-time
On-site
London, London, City of, United Kingdom
πŸš€ Growth Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I

πŸ”Ή Company: AECOM

πŸ”Ή Location: London, Chesterfield

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Civil Engineering

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-18

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (2 office days per week)

πŸš€ 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
  • Driving new business opportunities and expanding the client base

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong business acumen, and excellent communication skills to succeed in a dynamic and competitive market.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the UK&I Water Business and collaborate with other business lines and sector leads on key pursuits and growth initiatives

βœ… Define and execute a growth strategy aligned with corporate goals, while monitoring market trends, policy shifts, and emerging opportunities to guide investment and innovation

βœ… Drive new business opportunities and expand the client base through engagement with public and private sectors, partnerships, and networking

βœ… Lead major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring strong win rates and profitability

βœ… Represent AECOM at industry forums and manage joint ventures and framework agreements

βœ… Conduct market and competitive analysis to refine propositions and identify new revenue streams

βœ… Position AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation

βœ… Work closely with marketing, and sector leads to align client solutions with capabilities and market directions

βœ… Foster internal relationships that promote a culture of success

βœ… Coordinate pipeline analysis and bid management to meet business plan targets

ASSUMPTION: This 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., 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 required. Proven record in revenue generation, deal structuring, and leading complex bids.

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 should have a strong background in business development within the water sector and be comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving market.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£80,000 - Β£120,000 per annum (AI estimated based on industry standards for a senior 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
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 office days per week)

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility to work additional hours as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior role in the UK water sector. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: AECOM operates in the Civil Engineering industry, focusing on delivering infrastructure projects worldwide.

Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a global leader in professional services.

Company Description:

  • AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world
  • The company provides professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory, planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management
  • AECOM serves clients in various sectors, including water, energy, transportation, and buildings

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 global presence and diverse project portfolio offer applicants the opportunity to work on high-impact infrastructure projects worldwide.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management 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 role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working from an AECOM office or remote location for 2 days per week.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to a more senior role within AECOM's Water Business or other business lines
  • Expanding responsibilities and leading larger, more complex projects
  • Developing expertise in new areas of the water sector or related industries

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within AECOM, taking on more responsibilities and leading high-impact projects.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): London, Chesterfield

Geographic Context:

  • The UK&I region offers a diverse range of water infrastructure projects and market opportunities
  • London and Chesterfield provide access to major transportation networks, enabling easy commuting and travel
  • The region benefits from a strong talent pool, with numerous universities and industry events nearby

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in managing work-life balance while maintaining productivity.

ASSUMPTION: The UK&I region's diverse market and strong talent pool provide an ideal environment for driving business growth and development.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video call with the HR department
  • On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
  • Final round interview with the Water Business Line Lead

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and business acumen
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Market knowledge and industry trends
  • Leadership and teamwork abilities
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills

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 researching recent projects and industry trends
  • Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
  • Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and drive strategic plans

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Commercial Leadership, Water Market, Regulatory Frameworks, Infrastructure Cycles, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles, Market Analysis, Client Engagement, Networking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Thought Leadership

ASSUMPTION: AECOM's application process focuses on assessing candidates' strategic thinking, business acumen, and industry knowledge, as well as their ability to work collaboratively and drive growth.

πŸ› οΈ 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., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates should be comfortable using common business software and tools to manage projects, analyze data, and create presentations.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Safety
  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Stewardship
  • Inclusion

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Innovative and forward-thinking
  • Results-driven and accountable
  • Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you align with AECOM's commitment to safety and integrity in your daily work?
  • Describe a time when you demonstrated excellence in business development or growth strategy
  • How do you foster inclusion and collaboration in a diverse team environment?

ASSUMPTION: AECOM values a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic market
  • Navigating complex procurement processes and regulatory frameworks
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders
  • Adapting to changes in market trends, policy shifts, and industry regulations

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and build strong relationships to overcome these challenges.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role differs from other business development positions in its focus on the water sector and AECOM's unique business model
  • Industry-specific context: The water sector is characterized by long sales cycles, complex procurement processes, and evolving regulatory frameworks
  • Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for progression to more senior roles within AECOM's Water Business or other business lines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should understand the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from related positions in the industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a growth strategy for AECOM's Water Business in the UK&I region
  • Identifying and pursuing strategic partnerships with water utilities, technology providers, and other relevant organizations
  • Leading major bids and proposals for high-profile water infrastructure projects

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, business development, and project management aspects of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does this role collaborate with other business lines and sector leads to drive growth initiatives?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of working in the water sector, and how can this role address them?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within AECOM?
  • How does AECOM support work-life balance for employees in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates understand the role's priorities, challenges, and growth opportunities, as well as AECOM's work environment and culture.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
  • Research recent AECOM projects and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the company and sector
  • Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn one week after submission to inquire about your application status

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.