Head of Structural Engineering – UK & Ireland

Job Description

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, delivering professional services across the project lifecycle—from advisory, planning, design and engineering to programme management and construction management. The Head of Structural Engineering will play a key role in business development, major pursuits, key client relationships, talent strategy and practice‑wide innovation across the UK & Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and deliver the strategic vision for the Structural Engineering practice across the UK & Ireland.
• Lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing structural engineering teams across multiple locations.
• Align structural engineering strategy with AECOM’s wider business and growth objectives.
• Champion a culture of design excellence, technical quality, collaboration, and innovation.
• Represent the structural engineering discipline within regional and global leadership forums.

Business Development & Market Growth

• Drive market positioning and growth across priority sectors (e.g., Transportation, Defence, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, Mixed‑Use, Government).
• Lead major pursuits, bids, and proposal strategies in partnership with the Work Winning team.
• Develop and maintain senior‑level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and frameworks.

Project & Design Leadership

• Provide oversight on major structural engineering and multi‑disciplinary commissions, ensuring quality, risk management, compliance, and design integrity.
• Serve as Design Authority or Technical Reviewer on complex, high‑profile projects.
• Promote integrated, multi‑disciplinary working across engineering, digital, planning, and advisory teams.

Technical Leadership

• Possess technical capabilities to resolve complex problems and represent a focal point for technical expertise.
• Possess a degree of recognition and standing within the industry for technical proficiency in structural engineering.

Operational & Financial Management

• Accountable for practice‑wide financial performance, revenue forecasting, utilisation, and profitability.
• Oversee resource planning, project staffing, and capacity management.
• Implement consistent operational standards, QA/QC processes, and best practice delivery tools.

People & Talent Development

• Lead talent strategy for the Structural Engineering practice including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and early careers development.
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, supportive studio culture.
• Promote professional accreditation, CPD, and career progression pathways.

Digital, Sustainability & Innovation

• Champion digital design tools (Revit, BIM, parametric design, digital twins).
• Embed sustainability principles aligned to AECOM’s ESG and net‑zero goals.
• Encourage research, thought leadership, and new ways of working.

Qualifications

• Chartered Structural Engineer (MIStructE or FIStructE).
• Significant experience in leading structural engineering teams at a senior or director level.
• Demonstrable track record in delivering major projects and managing large multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L responsibility.
• Proven business development and client relationship management experience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic leadership skills.
• Experience with BIM and digital design workflows.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within large consultancy or multi‑disciplinary environments.
• Established reputation and network within UK structural consultancy markets.
• Experience with major complex infrastructure, defence, transportation, healthcare or large‑scale commercial/mixed‑use schemes.
• Familiarity with ISO19650, UK building regulations, government frameworks, and procurement routes.

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

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. Please let us know if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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