📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Growth & Business Development, Water - UK&I
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: London, UK (with travel to Glasgow, UK)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Civil Engineering, Water Industry
🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting AECOM's Water business growth across the UK and Ireland
- Identifying new market opportunities and nurturing strategic partnerships
- Coordinating end-market work-winning activities and ensuring effective positioning
- Driving new business opportunities and expanding the client base
- Leading major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the water market and its regulatory frameworks.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ 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 through branding, marketing, and bidding efforts
✅ Driving new business opportunities and expanding the client base through engagement with public and private sectors, partnerships, and networking
✅ Leading major bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring strong win rates and profitability
✅ Representing AECOM at industry forums and managing joint ventures and framework agreements
✅ Conducting market and competitive analysis to refine propositions and identify new revenue streams
✅ Positioning AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
✅ Working closely with marketing, sector leads, and other stakeholders to align client solutions with capabilities and market directions
✅ Fostering internal relationships that promote a culture of success
✅ Coordinating 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.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Civil 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 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 water sector
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the water industry and a strong understanding of its market dynamics will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the water sector)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and life assurance
- Flexible working arrangements, with a hybrid work model
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Employee referral bonus scheme
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 for a Director-level role in the water sector. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services, operating in over 150 countries. The Water Business Line focuses on delivering innovative solutions for water infrastructure, treatment, and management.
Company Size: AECOM is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 and has since grown into a leading global infrastructure firm.
Company Description:
- AECOM is committed to delivering a better world through its technical expertise and innovative solutions
- The company operates in various sectors, including water, transportation, buildings, energy, and environment
- AECOM's Water Business Line focuses on delivering sustainable and resilient water infrastructure and services
Company Specialties:
- Water infrastructure and treatment
- Transportation and mobility solutions
- Building design and engineering
- Energy and environmental services
Company Website: aecom.com
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's global presence and diverse portfolio of services provide candidates with opportunities to work on complex, high-profile projects and gain exposure to various industries.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, reporting directly to the Water Business Line Lead.
Reporting Structure: The Director will oversee Client Account Managers and Framework Managers, collaborating with regional growth and strategy teams, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid work model, with a mix of on-site and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the Water Business Line or AECOM's global organization
- Expanding responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the business grows
- Developing expertise in new areas of the water sector or related industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the growth strategy of AECOM's Water Business Line and make a significant impact on the organization's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's UK offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and productivity.
Office Location(s): London, UK (with travel to Glasgow, UK)
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a thriving water industry and a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities
- Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, with a significant water infrastructure market and a rich history
- The UK water sector is regulated and subject to periodic market reviews, presenting unique business development opportunities
Work Schedule: The role follows a standard UK workweek, with flexible hours and the option to work from home up to two days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work model offers candidates the best of both worlds, with the opportunity to work on-site and collaborate with colleagues while also enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager or HR representative
- On-site or virtual interview with the Water Business Line Lead and other stakeholders
- Final interview with the AECOM UK&I Water Business Line Lead
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Market knowledge and understanding of the water sector
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and teamwork abilities
- 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 sector and AECOM's business by conducting thorough research
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Growth Strategy, Water Sector, Commercial Leadership, Revenue Generation, Deal Structuring, Bids Management, Water Market Knowledge, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Procurement, ESG Principles
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the organization's needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is beneficial but not always required, as AECOM provides training and support to help employees develop their skills.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Quality
- Integrity
- Innovation
- One AECOM
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive team environment
- Focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Flexible work arrangements and a focus on work-life balance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with AECOM's core values?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site collaboration and remote work?
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, and are you able to adapt to change?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, seeking candidates who can contribute to a positive, supportive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a dynamic market
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day business development activities
- Adapting to changes in the water sector's regulatory framework and market conditions
- Travel requirements for on-site meetings and client visits
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, strategic planning, and a proactive approach to change management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on driving growth and business development within AECOM's Water Business Line
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader focus on operations, project delivery, or technical expertise
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within AECOM's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the growth strategy of AECOM's Water Business Line and make a significant impact on the organization's success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic growth plan for AECOM's Water Business Line in the UK and Ireland
- Identifying and securing new business opportunities in the water sector, including public and private sector clients
- Leading major bids and proposals, ensuring strong win rates and profitability
- Positioning AECOM as a thought leader in water resilience, digital water, ESG, and infrastructure innovation
ASSUMPTION: These projects reflect the strategic, business development-focused nature of the role and the opportunity to make a significant impact on AECOM's Water Business Line.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into AECOM's global Water Business Line strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within AECOM?
- How does AECOM support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to assess the fit between your career goals and the organization's opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development, growth strategy, and commercial leadership
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
- Follow up with the recruiter on LinkedIn one week after applying, expressing your interest in the role and asking about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
