Job Information
AECOM Nature Director in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Company Description
Nature Director, EWE UK&I
At AECOM, we’re dedicated to delivering a better world.
Our global team of 50,000 professionals is committed to leveraging infrastructure to transform lives and communities. Through innovation, technical expertise, and sustainable solutions, we are united by a common purpose to address challenges in transportation, buildings, water, environment, and new energy sectors.
Within the Environment, Water & Energy (EWE) Business Line, we focus on providing client and community-focused solutions, addressing global challenges, and delivering sustainable outcomes. Within this line, we're proud to offer opportunities for our people and sustainable solutions for our clients, particularly in response to climate change, water scarcity concerns, and energy transition. It has recently been listed as the top environmental consultancy by the Environmental Analyst.
Job Description
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Nature Director to lead the Nature team within the Environment & Sustainability (E&S) Business Unit for the UK and Ireland (UK&I) region, part of the EWE Business Line. From complex survey programmes to integrating nature into decision-making and investment planning, our Nature team champions legal compliance, nature-based solutions, and the maximisation of natural resources' value.
This role presents an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic leadership team focused on people, clients, technical excellence, and sustainable growth. You will lead our 150 people-strong experts in ecology, biodiversity net gain and natural capital, to drive a systems-based approach for our clients that recognises the need for nature positive solutions and re-naturalising infrastructure to meet net zero. Reporting directly to and collaborating closely with the E&S Director, you will be part of a new leadership team, alongside our Carbon & Advisory Director and Planning & Communities Director.
A unique aspect of the Nature business is our investment in the Natural Capital Laboratory, where ongoing research focuses on rewilding and understanding the biodiversity and climate benefits this approach can provide. Your role will encompass overseeing these research initiatives and collaborating with the team, which includes peatland, arboriculture, digital and natural capital specialists.
About You
As a highly motivated, and proactive leader, you bring a proven track record in leading, diversifying and growing Nature businesses. Your exceptional leadership skills, extensive market knowledge, and expertise in driving strategy and operations will contribute to our commitment to delivering a better world. You thrive on driving growth and innovation across private and public sector clients, ensuring the financial performance and operational excellence of the Nature business. Your expertise spans business development, bidding, and successful delivery of major projects. You have led diverse teams in a fast-paced environment, where you've excelled in optimising resources and people retention. Beyond your professional achievements, you are a champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion, committed to creating a workplace that embraces and celebrates the unique talents and backgrounds of every individual.
Key Responsibilities
Report directly to the E&S Business Unit Director and collaborate with fellow Business Directors, EWE Director of Strategy and Growth, Global Technical Teams, and wider EWE leadership.
Develop and implement a growth and diversification plan aligned to the EWE Strategic Plan for the Nature business.
Drive a culture where AECOM is recognised as a great place to work, by upholding AECOM’s values, championing equity, diversity, & inclusion, and promoting employee engagement and continuous development.
Initiate and lead recruitment of strategic and/or senior hires.
Have succession plans in place for all critical roles within Nature.
Maintain and secure new business opportunities to drive growth while ensuring client satisfaction as measured through Net Promoter Score feedback.
Support the development and implementation of innovative and digital solutions to enhance business performance and service delivery.
Ensure successful management of projects/programs within Nature from prepositioning and proposal development to completion, including periodic project reviews.
Implement change programs to increase efficiency, profitability, and quality of operations within the Nature business.
Full accountability for the P&L performance of Nature versus the financial plan and outlook – key performance metrics being NSR Book to Burn, NSR, Gross Margin %, Cost Utilisation %, EBITA %, FTEs, employee attrition, and DSO. As part of the E&S leadership team you will also have joint accountability to deliver the overall P&L for E&S.
Collaborate with other business units within EWE UK&I and across AECOM globally to deliver multi-disciplinary projects and programs, showcasing our DNA for work winning.
Support the adoption of bid governance guidelines and facilitate the Go/No-Go process.
Lead by example by visibly driving SH&E culture, ensuring effective implementation of AECOM SH&E policies and procedures, and achieving the SH&E core value metrics for Nature.
Qualifications
15+ years of experience in senior leadership roles within a matrixed multinational Environment Consultancy.
10 years of experience in leading large teams and successful financial performance of large P&Ls.
Demonstrated success in building, developing and leading leadership teams and multi-disciplinary project teams.
Active membership of a recognized relevant professional body with relevant Degree.
Good understanding of Environment/Nature markets and the socio-political and economic drivers across the region.
Proven ability to provide positive and growth-oriented leadership, fostering talent development and coaching for direct reports.
Extensive experience in leading and implementing change programs.
Strong financial and budget management skills.
Successful track record in securing new work and maintaining existing contracts.
Strong track record in client relationship management.
Strong attention to detail and experience delivering successful health & safety initiatives.
Experienced in managing, leading, and motivating diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility and proactive approach to work.
As an inclusive leader, you will:
Demonstrate dedication to driving our inclusion strategy by fostering a culture of respect within your team.
Build a diverse and inclusive workforce, recruiting and retaining the best talent while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, actively seeking diverse perspectives.
Encourage a work environment where employees can grow, innovate, collaborate and be their authentic selves.
Uphold AECOM's values and promote engagement and continuous development among the team.
Additional Information
Your benefits will include:
Helping our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance is important to us. If you join AECOM, as well as receiving a competitive salary, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore flexible working arrangements. Core benefits include 25 days’ annual leave, company pension scheme, private medical insurance, life assurance and one paid annual professional institution membership fee. You can also choose from a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.
You’ll also be able to give back to communities with up to two paid CSR days each year. Through our charity, The AECOM Foundation, you can volunteer to support children in developing countries. And if you’re a member of the Reserve Forces you’ll receive an additional 15 days paid leave for training commitments.
What We Offer
We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organisation you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career.
When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts – planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers – leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let’s get started.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled 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 and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: J10092675
Business Line: Geography OH
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India
Career Area: Business Management
Work Location Model: Hybrid