Job DescriptionThe Head of Architecture & Design, UK & Ireland is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the strategic direction, growth, technical excellence, and market reputation of AECOM’s architecture & design practice. This role leads multi‑disciplinary architectural, master planning, landscape and interior design teams across multiple offices, ensuring design quality, client satisfaction, operational performance, and alignment with AECOM’s wider business strategy.The Head of Architecture & Design will also play a key role in business development, major pursuits, key client relationships, talent strategy, and practice-wide innovation.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & StrategyDefine and deliver the strategic vision for the Architecture & Design practice across the UK & Ireland.Lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing architecture, master planning, landscape and interior design teams across multiple studios.Align architectural & design strategy with AECOM’s wider business and growth objectives.Champion a culture of design excellence, technical quality, collaboration, and innovation.Represent the Architecture & Design discipline within regional and global leadership forums.Business Development & Market GrowthDrive market positioning and growth across priority sectors (e.g., Transportation, Defence, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, Mixed‑Use).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.Project & Design LeadershipProvide oversight on major architectural & design 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 alongside engineering, digital, planning, and advisory teams.Operational & Financial ManagementAccountable 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 DevelopmentLead talent strategy for the Architecture & Design practice including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and early careers development.Foster a diverse, inclusive, supportive studio culture.Promote professional accreditation, CPD, and career progression pathways.Digital, Sustainability & InnovationChampion digital and AI design tools (Revit, BIM, parametric design, digital twins).Embed sustainability principles aligned to AECOM’s ESG and net‑zero goals.Encourage research, thought leadership, and new ways of working.QualificationsChartered Architect (ARB / RIBA Part III), Masterplanner/Urban Designer (MRTPI) or Landscape professional (CMLI).Significant experience in leading architectural, masterplan or urban design 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 ExperienceExperience working within large consultancy or multi‑disciplinary environments.Established reputation and network within UK architecture, masterplanning, urban design or landscape design markets.Experience with major complex infrastructure, defence, transportation, healthcare or large‑scale commercial/mixed‑use schemes.Familiarity with ISO 19650, UK building regulations, government frameworks, and procurement routes.Additional InformationAt AECOM, we provide the flexibility to work in hybrid environments, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits tailored to support you and your family. We champion career growth through award-winning training programs and diverse opportunities. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions.At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. 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.
Head of Architecture & Design – UK & Ireland in Manchester 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 values diversity and inclusion. Join us in the South East, where you can make a meaningful impact on transport planning while enjoying a range of personalised benefits tailored to support your well-being and professional aspirations.
