At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative Ports & Marine Engineering projects while fostering client relationships.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leader in infrastructure and engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on safety, innovation, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the dynamic field of marine engineering and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in marine engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61408 - 80000 £ per year.
AECOM is 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
- 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
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. Please let us know using this email address [email protected] if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering employer: AECOM
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, AECOM provides numerous opportunities for growth and mentorship within a diverse and inclusive culture. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while engaging in impactful projects in the Ports and Marine Engineering sector, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions to complex infrastructure challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering
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We think you need these skills to ace Practice Director - Ports and Marine Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to AECOM specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with AECOM, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
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In a full-time role, companies like AECOM value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
