Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow
Water Design & Build Director, UK&I

Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead growth in the water sector by building strategic relationships with contractors.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, career development, and personalised benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable water solutions for communities.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in water business development and project delivery.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

Company Description

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to 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 the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Job Description

We are seeking a Contractor Market Lead to drive the growth of our work with Design and Build contractors in the Water sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Water UK&I leadership team and take overall accountability for expanding this key market. The water sector is entering a period of multi‑billion‑pound investment, and this role will place you at the centre of delivering solutions to contractors shaping that future.

Reporting directly to, and working closely with, the Managing Director of Water, you will play a pivotal role in growing our Water business in the UK by building strong, strategic relationships with key contractor clients. Our water business partners with clients to deliver sustainable solutions across water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure—designing assets that protect public health and enhance the environment.

As Contractor Market Lead, you will hold full accountability for driving growth and market strategy in the contractor‑led space. Your leadership, commercial insight, and deep sector knowledge will directly support our commitment to delivering a better world.

About You:

  • You are a highly motivated, organised, and proactive leader with a proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, business development, bidding and delivering major projects and strategy implementation.
  • Your in‑depth understanding of the UK Water market and contractors operating within it, coupled with your grasp of the social, political, and economic drivers that influence it, will be integral to our success.
  • With extensive experience in leading diverse teams in a fast‑paced environment, you have excelled in planning, designing, and delivering projects while implementing data‑led performance improvements.
  • As a champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion, you believe in creating a workplace that embraces and celebrates the unique talents and backgrounds of every individual.

Here’s what you’ll do:

  • Report directly to the Managing Director of Water and collaborate closely with Business Directors.
  • Lead the development and implementation of 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.
  • Increase visibility of AECOM Water’s contractor‑led capability and communicate market strategy through clear and effective internal and external messaging.
  • Build strong partnerships with contractors and designers to enable targeted pursuit of high‑value opportunities.
  • Drive exceptional client satisfaction through active engagement, performance monitoring, and improvement actions informed by Net Promoter Score feedback.
  • Foster a culture where AECOM is recognised as a great place to work by exemplifying AECOM’s values.
  • Work with Business Unit Directors to determine medium‑ and long‑term resource needs.
  • Collaborate with teams across Europe and globally to deliver multidisciplinary projects and programmes.
  • Hold accountability for major contractor‑led projects and programmes through bid governance and the Go/No‑Go process.
  • Lead by example in driving SH&E culture, ensuring effective implementation of AECOM SH&E policies and procedures.

Enjoy the Perks:

At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being, customised to fit your lifestyle.

Qualifications

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

As an inclusive leader, you will:

  • 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 the best talent while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
  • Lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, actively seeking diverse perspectives.
  • Encourage a work environment where employees can grow, innovate, collaborate and be their authentic selves.
  • Uphold AECOM’s values and promote engagement and continuous development among staff within the region.

Additional Information

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm.

Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow employer: AECOM

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion. Join us in the UK&I as we tackle complex challenges in the water sector, where your contributions will directly impact communities and the environment, all while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your unique talents.
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Contact Detail:

AECOM Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects and successes in the water sector. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching AECOM and understanding their values and projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering a better world.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AECOM.

We think you need these skills to ace Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow

Leadership
Business Development
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Market Strategy Development
Team Management
Commercial and Contract Management
Knowledge of UK Water Market
Bidding and Proposal Development
Data-Led Performance Improvement
Health and Safety Initiatives
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Water Design & Build Director role. Highlight your experience in leading water businesses and your understanding of the UK market. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to deliver a better world!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Contractor Market Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven growth in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at AECOM!

How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM

✨Know Your Water Sector Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the UK water market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent projects. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with AECOM's goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've driven growth and managed diverse groups in fast-paced environments, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.

✨Build Strong Relationships

AECOM values collaboration, so come prepared to discuss how you've built strategic partnerships in previous roles. Share specific instances where your relationship management skills led to successful project outcomes or client satisfaction.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion

As an inclusive leader, be ready to talk about how you've fostered a culture of respect and diversity in your teams. Highlight any initiatives you've led that promote equity and inclusion, as this aligns with AECOM's core values.

Water Design & Build Director, UK&I in Glasgow
AECOM
Location: Glasgow

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