Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland in London
AECO London About the role
Full-time
State/Province: London, City of
Business Group: DCS
Legal Entity: AECOM Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited
Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Operating Group: International
Primary Location: UK - London - Aldgate Tower
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver the strategic vision for the Structural Engineering practice across the UK & Ireland.
- Lead, inspire, and develop high‐performing structural engineering teams across multiple locations.
- Align structural engineering strategy with AECOM's wider business and growth objectives.
- Champion a culture of design excellence, technical quality, collaboration, and innovation.
- Represent the structural engineering discipline within regional and global leadership forums.
- Drive market positioning and growth across priority sectors (e.g., Transportation, Defence, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, Mixed‐Use, Government).
- Lead major pursuits, bids, and proposal strategies in partnership with the Work Winning team.
- Develop and maintain senior‐level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
- Identify and pursue new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and frameworks.
- Provide oversight on major structural engineering and multi‐disciplinary commissions, ensuring quality, risk management, compliance, and design integrity.
- Serve as Design Authority or Technical Reviewer on complex, high‐profile projects.
- Promote integrated, multi‐disciplinary working across engineering, digital, planning, and advisory teams.
Technical Leadership
- Possess Technical Capabilities to resolve complex problems and represent a focal point for technical expertise.
- Possess a degree of recognition and standing within the industry for technical proficiency in structural engineering.
- Accountable for practice‐wide financial performance, revenue forecasting, utilisation, and profitability.
- Oversee resource planning, project staffing, and capacity management.
- Implement consistent operational standards, QA/QC processes, and best practice delivery tools.
People & Talent Development
- Lead talent strategy for the Structural Engineering practice including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and early careers development.
- Promote professional accreditation, CPD, and career progression pathways.
Digital, Sustainability & Innovation
- Embed sustainability principles aligned to AECOM's ESG and net‐zero goals.
- Encourage research, thought leadership, and new ways of working.
Qualifications
- Chartered Structural Engineer (MIStructE or FIStructE).
- Significant experience in leading structural engineering teams at a senior or director level.
- Demonstrable track record in delivering major projects and managing large multi‐disciplinary teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L responsibility.
- Proven business development and client relationship management experience.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic leadership skills.
- Experience with BIM and digital design workflows.
Preferred Experience
- Experience working within large consultancy or multi‐disciplinary environments.
- Established reputation and network within UK structural consultancy markets.
- Experience with major complex infrastructure, defence, transportation, healthcare or large‐scale commercial/mixed‐use schemes.
- Familiarity with ISO19650, UK building regulations, government frameworks, and procurement routes.
To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in‐person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is a Fortune 500 infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well‐being programs to meet the diverse needs of employees and families.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confidence Employer, offering interview accommodations to applicants with disabilities or long‐term conditions.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Your tasks
Lead and inspire structural engineering teams while driving market growth and innovation.
Your profile
Chartered Structural Engineer with significant leadership experience and strong commercial acumen.
What's also included
Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive compensation, and diverse well-being programs.
Tech stack & ways of working
Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland in London employer: AECO
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the architecture field, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects that shape communities. With a culture that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, AECOM provides the perfect platform for architects to thrive and make a difference in the world.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact in the engineering field and shape the future of infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland role you’re after at AECO.
Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at AECO a taste of what you can bring to the table!
Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at AECO.
Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland at AECO, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise
When applying for an engineering role like Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact
In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AECO a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AECO specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications
If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECO
Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AECO, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AECO want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
Locations
- London
