Associate Director & Project Manager Water & Defence

AECOM; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Project Manager to join its multidisciplinary Water team in Exeter. You will lead the delivery of significant projects in the water and defence sectors, managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering a culture of safety and quality management. The ideal candidate will have experience in the UK water sector, strong communication skills, and a passion for mentoring others. This is a full-time, on-site position with opportunity for considerable professional impact.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering water and defence projects.
• Effective communicator and committed to project success.
• Passion for mentoring and guiding junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Act as Framework Manager across several strategic water contracts.
• Lead growth of water services in the defence sector.
• Manage multi-disciplinary projects from design to delivery.
• Serve as key point of contact for client relationships.

Skills

Project / Program Management

Team Management

Financial Management

Construction Experience

Contracts

Construction Estimating

Microsoft Project

Education

Honours or master's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Start here. Grow here.

Create impact. Drive change. Build a better future.

We are looking for an experienced Associate Director- Project Manager to join our thriving multidisciplinary Water team across England and Wales. If you’re passionate about shaping infrastructure and have a strong background in both the water and defence sectors, this is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in delivering industry-defining projects.

Our teams are delivering some of the most significant infrastructure programmes in the UK and beyond, supporting local and national government utilities and other clients with high-profile technically complex work. In this leadership role you’ll be a key figure in the development and growth of our water capability with a particular focus on the defence sector.

Responsibilities

• Act as Framework Manager or deputy across several strategic water contracts
• Lead strategic growth of water services in the defence sector
• Manage multi-disciplinary projects from early design through to delivery
• Ensure timely high-quality outcomes while meeting commercial targets
• Foster a strong health, safety and wellbeing culture
• Take ownership of quality management and project risk mitigation
• Serve as the key point of contact for client relationships
• Support business development through bids, proposals and strategic initiatives
• Mentor, line manage and develop staff across the team
• Collaborate across internal teams to drive cross-sector opportunities

What we offer and culture

If you’re passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team where we don’t just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives. Follow our AECOM Water page on LinkedIn to stay updated on impactful projects and the difference we’re making in the industry.

Come & Grow with Us.

Become part of our dynamic Water business which boasts around 670 experts across the UK & Ireland. Collaborate with civil, mechanical, electrical and process engineers to deliver a variety of projects from small initiatives to large-scale ventures, from concept to completion. You’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible

We’re seeking someone with a proven track record in delivering water and defence projects in a client-facing capacity. You’ll be a natural leader, effective communicator and committed to both project success and the development of others.

What we’d like you to bring:

• An honours or masters degree (or equivalent qualification) or demonstrable equivalent experience
• A strong background in the UK water sector, ideally with experience in regulated frameworks
• Experience working in the defence sector and understanding its complexities
• Knowledge of or training in NEC3 contracts
• Familiarity with Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations or equivalent experience
• A passion for mentoring and guiding junior team members in both project delivery and career development
• As some aspects of this role will be within the defence sector, the successful candidate must have previous UK Security Clearance or the ability to obtain it

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us. We value everyone’s unique contributions and perspectives.

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Additional Information

Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects and more.

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn: Jay Hewitt.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at and @AECOM.

Remote Work and Employment Type

Remote Work : No

Employment Type : Full-time

Key Skills

Project / Program Management, Construction Estimating, Construction Experience, Restoration, Microsoft Project, Team Management, Financial Management, Contracts

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.