Water Capture Lead / Bid Director

About the Role

The Water business is seeking a Capture Lead / Bid Director for the UK and Ireland market. The role is accountable for capturing, positioning and winning major water contracts, typically valued at £35 million or more. The successful candidate will shape winning solutions through strategic positioning, early client collaboration and strong leadership across complex pursuits. You will drive growth by developing holistic capture plans that combine client listening, win‑strategy development, solution shaping and marketing execution. By building a data‑led pipeline of qualified opportunities, you will own pursuit strategies from early capture through PQQ, ITT, BAFO and post‑bid debriefs. Market insight and competitive analysis will be used to continuously improve win rates. The role includes identifying, selecting and leading strategic partnerships, joint ventures and consortiums to strengthen AECOM’s competitive position. You will define partner roles, negotiate agreements and act as the senior representative in alliance discussions. Trusted relationships with delivery partners, designers, contractors and technology providers will be cultivated to create integrated solutions. Senior‑level client relationships with water utilities, regulators and public‑sector bodies will be built and sustained. You will lead executive engagement during pre‑procurement and procurement phases, articulating AECOM’s value proposition and narrative. Positioning AECOM as the partner of choice will be a core focus. Strategic commercial direction for major pursuits, including delivery models, risk appetite, pricing and value proposition, will be set. You will provide senior challenge and assurance to ensure solutions are deliverable, differentiated and commercially sound. Accountability for overall commercial outcomes, not just bid mechanics, rests with the role. Clear strategic direction will be provided to bid team members, commercial and technical leaders, influencing senior stakeholders to align resources and priorities. You will act as a visible leader for growth, collaboration and external engagement across the water business. Communication of pursuit priorities will ensure appropriate resourcing and alignment. • Lead capture and bid strategy for £35m+ water contracts across the full sales lifecycle. • Develop and execute holistic capture plans, including client listening, solution shaping, marketing and debriefs. • Build and manage a diversified pipeline of qualified opportunities using data‑driven insights. • Identify, negotiate, and lead strategic partnerships, joint ventures and consortiums. • Cultivate senior‑level relationships with water utilities, regulators and public‑sector stakeholders. • Define commercial direction, pricing, risk appetite and value proposition for major pursuits. • Provide strategic guidance and challenge to bid teams, technical writers and internal stakeholders. • Influence resource allocation and align partners behind priority pursuits. • Communicate compelling client narratives and lead executive workshops. • Promote diversity, equity and inclusion, supporting neurodiversity and accommodations.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸bid strategy
• ▸capture planning
• ▸pipeline management
• ▸partnership negotiation
• ▸client engagement
• ▸commercial direction

What You Bring

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of winning large‑scale water sector contracts (>$35 m revenue) and experience leading multi‑disciplinary pursuit teams. Strong technical, delivery and commercial expertise, coupled with excellent communication and executive‑level credibility, are essential. Understanding of the UK water regulatory environment and experience in matrix organisations are required. AECOM celebrates diversity, including neurodiversity, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities throughout the application process. • Demonstrate a proven track record of winning large‑scale water sector contracts (>$35m revenue). • Possess strong technical, delivery and commercial acumen with experience in partner‑led models. • Understand the UK water regulatory environment and operate effectively in matrix organisations.

Requirements

• ▸large contracts
• ▸water sector
• ▸technical acumen
• ▸commercial acumen
• ▸uk regulatory
• ▸team leadership

Benefits

Employees enjoy hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive compensation, benefits and well‑being programs tailored to diverse needs. As a Fortune 500 firm, AECOM offers access to industry‑leading technology, global scale and opportunities to make transformational impact. • Benefit from hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive compensation, benefits and well‑being programs.

Work Environment

Hybrid