Job Description

Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. Join us, and you'll be part of our genuinely collaborative environment, where everyone is supported to make the most of their talents. It's about recognizing everyone's contributions equally while delivering excellence together.


Flexible and remote working are central to our culture, so talk to us about what's important to you, from reduced weeks to buying more leave, and how we can make reasonable adjustments for you or support your ambitions outside of work.


As an Associate Director, you'll play a pivotal role in the region. Bring your collaborative, motivated, detail-oriented approach to our wide variety of complex projects across the region. Your technical competence, lateral thinking, first-class communication skills, and robust commercial awareness will be crucial in delivering better for our clients and communities, and will enable you to thrive in our vibrant, supportive team.

Your purpose:

Lead the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects across the full lifecycle, applying best practice methodologies in sectors such as defence, energy, rail, highways and utilities. Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients and stakeholders, consistently reflecting AtkinsRealis' values and professional standards. Act as the primary client interface, serving as account lead and trusted advisor, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business across multiple sectors. Take full commercial responsibility for projects under your control, including financial performance, governance, and resource planning. Ensure compliance with AtkinsRealis' delivery standards, policies, and digital toolkits, adapting approaches to suit sector-specific regulatory and operational frameworks. Provide line management and exceptional leadership to team members, supporting workload planning, technical development, and career progression. Mentor and coach junior colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Collaborate with regional and national sector leads to identify and secure new business opportunities aligned with our strategic growth objectives in key markets. Lead the preparation of high-quality fee proposals and bid submissions, demonstrating commercial acumen and client insight. Deliver large-scale, high-value projects with minimal oversight, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time, within budget, and to the required quality. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal, technical, and regulatory frameworks across the UK infrastructure landscape, including MOD, DfT, and Ofgem/Ofwat standards where applicable. Champion quality assurance and environmental management in line with corporate policies and sector-specific compliance requirements. Take personal responsibility for health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace, and promote a positive safety culture across your teams. Leading and championing safety in all work environments. Demonstrate inclusive leadership and uphold the organisation's values in all interactions.

What you can bring:

Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in a construction, engineering, or infrastructure-related discipline. Chartered status with a recognised professional body (e.g. RICS, APM, ICE). Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects in a client-facing role across one or more of the following sectors: defence, energy, rail, highways or utilities. Strong track record of building and maintaining client relationships, with demonstrable success in account growth and repeat business. Experience leading teams and managing resources across multiple projects, with a focus on performance, quality, and outcomes. Deep understanding of UK standard forms of contract (NEC, JCT) and procurement strategies, with the ability to advise clients on risk and delivery models. Extensive experience as the named NEC Project Manager with overall responsibility for contract administration. NEC accreditation preferrable. Commercially astute, with experience managing project finances, reporting, and governance. Skilled in contract review and negotiation, with a sound understanding of legal obligations and remedies. Thorough knowledge of UK health, safety, and environmental legislation relevant to the infrastructure sectors. A proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to work independently and as part of a wider leadership team. Commitment to continuous professional development and mentoring others. Full UK driving licence.

Why work for AtkinsRealis?

Looking for a place where you can engineer a better future? AtkinsRealis is for you. Here, our digital-enabled approach transforms outcomes for people and the environment. You'll have a myriad of projects to choose from and endless possibilities for career growth. More responsibility, acclaimed training programmes and flexible working are part of our inclusive culture of prioritising diversity, health, and happiness.


Join our Project & Programme Services team and expand your career on some of the industry's most exciting and newsworthy construction projects - from Sizewell C to the world's tallest hotel, London's Heathrow Airport to Europe's first eco-friendly mosque. You'll enjoy invaluable exposure to international expertise as well as innovation in local niche areas. Communities are at the heart of our work and our people are proud to be working towards a Net Zero Carbon future and regenerating cities across the UK.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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