At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth initiatives in the UK water utility sector and drive collaboration.
- Company: Join Arup, a leader in sustainable water solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health benefits, flexible working, and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability and infrastructure development.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in client relationship management.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Water Utilities Growth Director role at Arup. Please note candidates can be based from any of our UK offices.
At Arup we recognise the critical role water plays in sustaining life, enabling economic growth and regenerating the natural environment. We aim to work with others to shape a new future for the water sector, influencing policy agendas, building supporting frameworks, enabling investment in water infrastructure, and enhancing water resilience and nature recovery.
Our UK Water Business has grown rapidly over the past five years, expanding services, client reach, and influence. We work closely with most UK water companies, building a strong pipeline and securing multiple routes to market across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The role
This is a region-level leadership role focused on leading UK water utility market-facing activities, driving collaboration, and supporting growth. You will work as part of a small Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Regional Water Business Lead, Catherine Wenger.
You will drive client and partner relationship activities, ensure accurate market understanding, represent the firm externally, and contribute to global business success through collaboration and best-practice sharing. You will promote a client-centric culture, set strategic priorities, advise on investment, shape marketing activities, and lead communications and work-winning initiatives. Staying ahead of market trends, advocating on key issues, and ensuring we maximise value from existing and new frameworks will be essential.
Is this role right for you?
You will be a motivated, enthusiastic, curious, and competent individual with a strong track record of delivery through building excellent client and partner relationships, with the ability to maximise opportunities and routes to market and engage and motivate across a large organisation.
You will require the following knowledge, skills and attributes:
- Good understanding of the political, regulatory and industry context that water companies operate within.
- Strong network of senior c-suite contacts across the UK utility market—both with partner and client organisations—to convene and influence for optimal understanding, insight, visibility, positioning and delivery.
- Ability to ‘future-gaze’ and provide credible advice grounded in a strong understanding of the sector.
- Experience of working successfully to maximise opportunities within a framework.
- Enthusiasm to consider new ways of working and champion digital and data-enabled insights recognising that working patterns and requirements will change dramatically over the lifetime of frameworks.
- Willingness to challenge constructively both internally and externally in a manner that brings clarity and introduces novel and innovative approaches to resolve issues.
- Be inquisitive and motivated to continuously learn and question the status quo both in a technical and broader social context, canvassing opinions, sourcing new ideas and proactively bringing those into discussions.
- Ability to build followership and understanding to help enthuse and empower members.
Qualifications
Education to degree level; chartership at a relevant professional body.
What We Offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, fostering growth together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each member to our shared success. This includes competitive, fair and equitable pay, benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities, and many possibilities to have an impact through the work you do. We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, and income protection cover. Flexible benefits help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you freedom to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different People, Shared Values
Arup is an equal-opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support an inclusive culture across race, ethnicity, cross-cultural working, gender equity, LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact us to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit our website. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list. All applications will be considered, and we will make every effort to respond within 72 hours of receipt. Response times may be subject to delays during the festive period.
Closing Date: 9th January 2026
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Water Utilities Growth Director in England employer: Arup
Contact Detail:
Arup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Utilities Growth Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the water utilities sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the water sector! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Arup or any other company, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact of water on our lives. Share your ideas on how to drive growth and innovation in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in the water utilities market. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Arup's goals and values. Tailor your responses to show that you understand the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after meetings or interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and mention something specific from your conversation that resonated with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Utilities Growth Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Water Utilities Growth Director role. Highlight your experience in building client relationships and understanding the water sector, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Network: Don’t forget to mention your connections within the UK utility market! We love seeing candidates who can leverage their senior contacts to drive collaboration and growth, so make that a key part of your application.
Demonstrate Your Curiosity: We’re looking for someone who’s inquisitive and eager to learn. Share examples of how you’ve challenged the status quo or brought innovative ideas to the table in your previous roles. This will resonate with our values at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Know Your Water Sector
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in the water utilities sector. Understanding the political and regulatory context will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to Arup's goals.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections within the UK utility market. If you have senior c-suite contacts, mention them during the interview. This shows that you’re well-connected and can hit the ground running in building relationships for Arup.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully maximised opportunities in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven growth or influenced policy, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the Water Utilities Growth Director.
✨Embrace Innovation
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for new ways of working, especially around digital and data-enabled insights. Discuss any innovative approaches you've taken in past roles to solve problems, as this will resonate with Arup’s commitment to championing change in the water sector.