NSW/ACT Water Business Leader

Arup is a unique organization that is owned and run by its employees, which means that our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a people-centric organization, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. Our employees are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work, which fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. At Arup, we value diversity and strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As a result, we are able to attract and retain some of the brightest and most talented professionals in the industry.

Primary Focus

Arup offers a comprehensive consultancy service for water and wastewater projects across the globe. Our experience ranges from feasibility studies and planning, through design and supervision of construction, to the maintenance of completed projects. The ANZ water business comprises approximately 30% of our global water business and is in a strong growth phase, with ambitions to double impact and influence through to 2030. The focus of this position is to lead the development of new business within the water sector in NSW/ACT, prepare and implement business plans and strategies, and support the delivery of positive client outcomes. In summary this role is responsible for developing the local business strategy, leading our client engagement and business development activities and developing our pipeline of water projects. The role will work in close collaboration with others in the leadership cohort both locally and across ANZ to actively 
support the ongoing successful development of the NSW/ACT water business across the full range of services offered to our water utility and government clients.
 

As the Local Business Leader for NSW/ACT, you will be responsible for building a strong pipeline of projects and opportunities in the water market. In this context, performance relates to the successful planning, pursuit and bidding of new opportunities that align with Arup’s strategic direction. Our ANZ water business strategy has identified a clear intent to grow our market share from within the water market in NSW/ACT. This will require you to undertake business development and client relationship activities as well as leading the development of new work winning strategies and initiatives. In the marketplace, you will represent Arup at a high level and be the primary contact for water related opportunities in NSW/ACT. You will be required to develop and implement longer term business plans in line with the overall Arup business strategy and the Water business strategy.  

As a senior member of the water business this role is also expected to lead the delivery of water projects as Project Director and/or Technical Leader within your discipline/skillset.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and drive all business development initiatives, including the identification of new opportunities and the execution of comprehensive strategies in collaboration with senior management. You will be responsible for the development of pursuit and client plans, setting and managing budgets for business development activities, lead and support the development of marketing materials, and prepare bids and tender documents.
• Develop and manage high-level client relationships and partnerships, maximizing revenue generation, while conducting in-depth market research and sophisticated competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead in facilitating collaboration among diverse bid/project teams and disciplines, setting clear communication channels and workflow standards. Expertly coordinate bid/project activities to align seamlessly with bid/project goals, proactively resolving conflicts and addressing complex challenges stemming from multidisciplinary interactions. Meticulously monitor bid/project progress and interdependencies, offering expert technical guidance and fostering knowledge sharing among teams. Monitor resource allocation optimization and task prioritization, ensuring highly efficient multidisciplinary coordination.
• Leading large-scale bids/projects with multiple teams and stakeholders, developing bid/project plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies, managing project risks, and mentoring junior bid/project managers.
• Strategically develop and refine bid/project cost estimates at a high level, considering complex variables like materials, labour, and overhead, to support large-scale projects and organizational objectives.
• At the geography level (ANZ), you will work closely with the ANZ Water Business Leader and your counterparts in other Arup offices across the ANZ. You will provide effective leadership and guidance to maintain strong team cohesion and productivity. Offer mentoring and coaching to advance team members' skills and professional growth. Skilfully resolve conflicts and address challenges within the team. Foster a positive and inclusive team culture to enhance motivation and engagement.

Qualifications:

• Recognised relevant tertiary qualifications, ideally chartered within your discipline/skillset.
• Demonstrated business development experience in the planning or design of water infrastructure, within a consulting business environment.
• Established relationships with clients that operate in the water sector across NSW/ACT. 
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Keen understanding of customer/client needs (both internal and external) with an ability to develop creative win-win solutions. 
• Demonstratable ability to guide and inspire teams to achieve shared goals, leveraging diverse strengths and fostering a cooperative environment.
• Proven ability to grasp business dynamics, making informed decisions to drive growth and success by integrating market insights.
• Ability to build positive relationships by understanding needs and delivering value-added solutions, acting as a trusted partner.
• Ability to persuade and inspire through compelling communication and subject expertise, driving positive change and gaining support.
• Ability to make well-considered decisions, combining data-driven insights with empathy and ethics to address challenges effectively

What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Explore the perks of a career with Arup Australia

• Hybrid working policy and flexible working hours. 
• Paid parental leave for the primary carer of 16 weeks or 32 weeks at half pay and as well as generous unpaid leave benefits.
• Paid parental leave for the support carer of 4 weeks plus the opportunity to access extra paid and unpaid leave if you later become the primary carer. 
• Birthday leave
• Annual leave loading
• Ability to purchase additional leave of up to 20 days for permanent employees.
• International mobility opportunities
• Insurances (life & income protection)
• Interest free solar energy and bicycle loans  
• Novated car lease
• Ovasaver including discounts, vouchers, cashback, and exclusive offers on more than 300 retailers.
• Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
 

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process
Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.