Digital Optimisation Lead – UK Water (Hybrid)

AECO; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Career development opportunities

AECOM University access

Volunteer days

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Digital Optimisation Lead to drive digital delivery and advisory across our England & Wales operations in the Water line. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on digital implementation and strategic client-facing consultancy, delivering measurable outcomes for clients and internal teams.

The ideal candidate blends deep technical understanding with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in a digital, data, or technology-focused role within the infrastructure or water sector.
• Proven track record of leading digital delivery across multiple programmes within complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Experience working with UK water sector clients and regulated industry frameworks.
• Strong data skills, including data governance, Power BI and Azure, with scripting (Python) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital delivery across multiple projects and frameworks in England & Wales, acting as the digital lead and ensuring teams are equipped with the right tools, methods and capabilities to deliver.
• Develop and implement digital optimisation strategies in collaboration with the core digital team, translating strategy into deliverable workplans.
• Advise clients on digital transformation approaches, including data governance frameworks, operating models, platform adoption and roadmap development.
• Engage with Client Account Managers across England & Wales to identify digital opportunities and define delivery requirements.
• Champion the understanding and adoption of AI, machine learning and data science techniques across project teams and client engagements.
• Identify automation and digital innovation opportunities within project delivery, developing MVPs with scaling potential.
• Manage and support regional delivery teams in adopting the latest digital solutions and upskilling.
• Lead and contribute to bid responses including RfPs, ITTs and tenders for digital-led opportunities.
• Facilitate client workshops and internal presentations to align on strategy and demonstrate digital value.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Digital delivery

Education

Related discipline degree

Tools

Power BI

Azure

Python

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Digital Optimisation Lead to drive digital delivery and advisory across our England & Wales operations in the Water line. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on digital implementation and strategic client-facing consultancy, delivering measurable outcomes for clients and internal teams.

The ideal candidate blends deep technical understanding with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.