Digital Lead - Scotland

AECOM · Glasgow, , United Kingdom

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-09-24
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Job Description
We are constantly evolving to remain at the forefront of innovation, and we're on the lookout for talented, dedicated, and passionate individuals to join us. AECOM is seeking a Digital Optimisation Lead, to drive digital delivery and advisory across Scotland. We have over 150 people in the Water Team in Scotland, with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness. 
We are delivering a diverse and high-impact portfolio of projects that are shaping sustainable and resilient water systems for generations to come.  
We are a Primary Designer on Scottish Water’s SR27 Enterprise. This is a transformational multi-billion-pound programme and will reshape Scotland’s water and wastewater infrastructure from 2027 to 2033 (with potential to extend for another 6 years). Alongside SR27 we are delivering a number of frameworks both direct, and via design and build contractors, to Scottish Water. 
Additionally, we have a strong flood and surface water management team providing complex integrated river and coastal modelling, flood prevention and restoration schemes through a number of frameworks, including Excel Scotland. 
Start here. Grow here. 
Join AECOM as a Digital Optimisation Lead and help shape the future of digital delivery across our Water business in Scotland. Blending digital expertise with strategic consultancy, you’ll lead the adoption of smarter ways of working, data-driven decision making and emerging technologies, including AI and data science, to deliver real value for our clients and project teams.
Working closely with our Water Digital Lead, Client Account Managers and regional teams, you’ll identify opportunities, shape digital strategy and lead delivery across major frameworks and programmes. We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with commercial thinking and the ability to influence, engage and inspire.
Key Activities 

• Lead digital delivery across multiple projects and frameworks in Scotland, 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 owned, 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 Scotland to identify digital opportunities, support client relationships, and define delivery requirements that align with client needs and AECOM's digital offering 

• Champion the understanding and adoption of AI, machine learning and data science techniques across project teams and client engagements, identifying where these can drive efficiency, insight or innovation 

• Identify automation and digital innovation opportunities within project delivery, working with teams to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) with scaling potential 

• Manage and support regional delivery teams in adopting the latest digital solutions, identifying upskilling needs and ensuring resources are appropriately allocated to projects 

• Lead and contribute to bid responses including RfPs, ITTs and tenders, supporting bid strategy, content development and proposal management for digital-led opportunities 

Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

• 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, platforms such as Power BI and Azure, with scripting (e.g. Python) preferred 

• Ability to translate digital strategy into owned, deliverable workplans with measurable outcomes 

• Experience facilitating client workshops and stakeholder sessions, and contributing to bid responses

Additional Information
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 at [email protected]. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.
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 much more!
For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn – Laura Easdon.
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