Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Bristol

At AECOM, we deliver a better world. Whether improving commutes, ensuring reliable power, providing clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve complex challenges and build lasting legacies.

We are seeking a Contractor Market Lead to accelerate growth of our work with Design and Build contractors in the Water sector. This is a pivotal leadership role within the Water UK&I team, reporting to the Managing Director of Water. Your mission will be to build strong, strategic relationships with key contractor clients and lead the expansion of our Water business across the UK.

About You

You are a highly motivated, organised, and proactive leader with a proven track record in leading and growing water businesses. You excel at business development, bidding, and delivering major projects, and you understand the social, political, and economic dynamics that shape the UK Water market.

What You’ll Do

• Report to the Managing Director of Water and partner closely with Business Directors, the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, the Commercial Director, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and the Global Water and Contractor Market teams.
• Develop and implement a contractor‑led market growth plan aligned with the Water UK&I Strategic Plan.
• Work with Client Account Managers to identify, monitor, and track new opportunities, ensuring proactive positioning and timely entry into business planning systems.
• Increase visibility of AECOM Water’s contractor‑led capability and communicate strategy through internal and external messaging.
• Build partnerships with contractors and designers to target high‑value opportunities.
• Drive exceptional client satisfaction via active engagement, performance monitoring, and improvement actions informed by Net Promoter Score feedback.
• Champion AECOM’s values, EDI, and employee engagement to foster a great workplace culture.
• Collaborate on resource planning, leading recruitment for strategic and senior roles.
• Partner with global teams to deliver multidisciplinary projects and programmes, showcasing AECOM’s strengths in winning work.
• Hold accountability for major contractor‑led projects and programmes through bid governance and the Go/No-Go process.
• Lead the implementation of SH&E culture and achieve core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

Enjoy the Perks

We offer core and personalised benefits, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days. Career development opportunities are designed to support your future and well‑being.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water‑sector supplier.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, key contractors, and wider European socio‑political and economic drivers.
• Proven track record in growth‑focused leadership, talent development, and coaching.
• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise.
• Track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and expanding existing contracts.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Attention to detail with experience delivering effective health & safety initiatives.
• Experience motivating and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and adaptable approach to work.

As an Inclusive Leader

• Demonstrate dedication to driving our inclusion strategy by fostering a culture of respect within your team.
• Build a diverse and inclusive workforce, recruiting and retaining top talent while nurturing future leaders.
• Lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, actively seeking diverse perspectives.
• Encourage an environment where employees can grow, innovate, collaborate, and be authentic.
• Uphold AECOM’s values and promote engagement and continuous development among staff.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please email ReasonableAccomodations@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone’s unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills that could benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you.

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services through the entire project lifecycle—including advisory, planning, design, engineering, and construction management. With a global presence and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we solve complex challenges for public and private clients across transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental projects.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility to thrive with hybrid work options, whether from an AECOM office, remote location, or client site. We champion a safe and respectful workplace that embraces your unique talents and background to create transformational outcomes for our clients. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.