Job Description

Overview
Shape the Future of Rail Systems Design.
AtkinsRealis is seeking an experienced and visionary Practice Director (Rail Systems Design) to lead a team of 200 specialists across Signalling, Telecommunications, M&E, OLE, and Track disciplines. This is a pivotal leadership role within our Engineering Systems Practice, driving technical excellence, delivery performance, and innovation across major UK and international rail projects.
Location: UK (Any of our UK AtkinsRealis Complex Projects offices)
Business Unit: Complex Projects - Engineering Systems Practice
Your role

• Set the vision and strategy for Rail Systems Design, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and multi-skilling.
• Oversee design lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design, integrating with wider project delivery teams.
• Ensure the Railway Systems design lifecycle from early feasibility/development through to detailed design is clearly understood/aligned with wider business deliverables and is working, in harmony, with the other sections (e.g. Engineering Management, Construction and Assurance & Verification) of the Engineering Systems Practice.
• Drive workforce planning, recruitment, and succession strategies to meet future demand.
• Champion innovation and digital design solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability.
• Represent AtkinsRealis in client engagements and industry forums, building strong relationships.
• Take a leading role in the interface to our Global Technology Centre's (GTC) equivalent Rail Systems Design Practices, providing regular updates to their leadership team on Rail Systems design demand from the UK markets to support the GTC's annual budget preparation and delivery of the budget commitments made by the UK to the GTC each year.

About you

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with proven leadership experience in large teams.
• Experience and successful track record of leading large teams, both at an operational level and (preferably) through project management.
• Experience of implementing transformational change based on lean or similar principals in a design or construction environment would be highly desirable.
• Strong rail industry background with expertise in at least one Rail Systems discipline.
• Knowledge of contractor design management and technical assurance frameworks.
• Strategic thinker with experience in transformational change and lean principles.
• Credible leader who inspires trust and collaboration across diverse teams.

To apply please upload your CV and cover sheet explaining your interest in the role.
The closing date for this role is the 5th of December 2025
Reward & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive - at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
About AtkinsRealis
We're , a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Additional information
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 creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.
#LI-UK#LI-ATKINS #LI-Transportation #LI-UKI
Worker Type Employee
Job Type Regular
At AtkinsRealis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.

Skills Required