At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative Ports & Marine Engineering projects while mentoring high-performing teams.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leader in infrastructure and engineering with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the marine engineering sector and drive sustainable project delivery.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in marine engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61408 - 80000 £ per year.
At AECOM, we are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Practice Director – Ports & Marine Engineering to support the growth and delivery of our business. You will lead capability development, drive project delivery excellence, and play a key role in securing and delivering work across frameworks and standalone opportunities. This is a strategic leadership position, combining work winning, operational leadership, and people development, with a strong focus on collaboration across regions and Enterprise Capability (EC) teams.
The Practice Director will be focused on delivering our existing diverse portfolio of Ports & Marine projects as well as growing to meet the demands of high growth sectors for the integration and coordination of multi-disciplinary, complex infrastructure projects.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Lead and support client relationships for the Practice
- Ensure successful project delivery – meeting schedule, cost, and quality targets
- Lead continuous improvement through client feedback and delivery performance
- Implement and uphold AECOM project governance standards
- Build and lead effective supply chain and partner relationships
Leadership & People Development
- Grow capability and capacity within the practice regionally and through EC collaboration
- Drive utilisation performance and align resource planning at a national level
- Mentor, develop, and retain high-performing teams, fostering a strong and inclusive culture
Operational Excellence & Performance
- Support operational performance across the Ports & Marine Engineering, including cost, schedule, and quality
- Drive quality and innovation to differentiate AECOM from peers
- Drive performance against key business KPIs and growth targets
- Coordinate national workshare and resource planning aligned to practice objectives
- Promote and lead Safety, Health, Environment (SHE) and Wellbeing initiatives across projects and teams
- Act as a visible safety leader, embedding best practices at both project and operational levels
- Monitor and improve both leading and lagging sustainability and safety metrics
- Work closely with other Business Lines, and global geographies
- Support multi-disciplinary project delivery across sectors
- Share knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise across the organisation
- Strengthen collaboration with EC teams to enhance delivery capability and efficiency
Business Development & Work Winning
- Deliver the existing Ports & Marine Engineering framework and project portfolio while helping to secure repeat business and new opportunities through the end-to-end sales cycle for projects
- Provide capability, expertise, and resources to support bids led at sector level
- Support and embed the Enterprise Capability (EC) vs. home country delivery model for bids
- Develop discipline‑specific EC strategies and relationships to maximise global delivery capability
- Support the Practice’s engagement in cross‑sector growth opportunities
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Extensive experience in ports, coastal, or marine engineering with a track record leading large, complex programs.
- Professional registration (e.g., Chartered Engineer, PE, or equivalent) and degree in civil/coastal/marine engineering or related field.
- Demonstrable success in client development, winning strategic pursuits, and delivering major multi‑disciplinary projects.
- Strong technical grounding in marine structures (quay walls, jetties, berths), coastal protection, dredging and reclamation, terminals, navigation, and resilience.
- Familiarity with relevant standards and guidance (e.g., PIANC and regional codes) and digital delivery (BIM, analytics, modeling).
- Proven team leadership, P&L accountability, and capability building across distributed teams.
- Proven experience leading in Ports & Marine Engineering or multi‑disciplinary infrastructure teams.
- Strong track record in supporting work winning, delivering projects, and successful client relationship management.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.
Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering employer: AECO
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our hybrid work model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and mentorship within a collaborative and inclusive culture. Join us to lead innovative projects in Ports & Marine Engineering, where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping sustainable infrastructure solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering
✨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 Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering 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 Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering, 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.
