Associate Director - Planning
Associate Director - Planning

Associate Director - Planning

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning for exciting infrastructure projects and manage performance metrics.
  • Company: AtkinsRéalis transforms outcomes for people and the environment through innovative projects.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth opportunities, and acclaimed training programmes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team working on prestigious projects with a focus on sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and experience in project management or planning.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Overview

Step into a pivotal role within our Complex Projects team where you help shape iconic infrastructure and energy projects. From cutting-edge transport systems to sustainable urban regeneration, your leadership will drive delivery. We\’re not just building projects—we\’re engineering a better future. That means fostering a truly collaborative culture where every voice is valued, every contribution recognized, and every talent nurtured. If you\’re ready to lead with empathy, manage with clarity, and elevate those around you—this is your platform. We champion flexible and remote working. Whether you\’re looking to reduce your working week, buy additional leave, or pursue passions outside of work, we\’ll support your ambitions and make reasonable adjustments to help you thrive.

Your Role

  • Lead a regional planning team, recruiting planners, senior planners and planning managers and growing the regional planning team
  • Develop, maintain, and manage robust baselines aligned with contractual and performance metrics.
  • Lead planning across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
  • Facilitate workshops and performance reviews.
  • Ensure compliance with NEC contracts.
  • Deliver advanced reporting including EVM.
  • Integrate schedule, cost, and risk.
  • Conduct critical path and scenario planning.
  • Apply delay analysis and assure contractor schedule integrity.

About You

  • A degree in Project Management, Engineering, or Construction Management.
  • Demonstrated success as a planning leader in sectors such as transport, energy, defense, water, or rail.
  • Strong people management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
  • In‑depth knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical application in complex environments.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
  • Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
  • Analytical acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Advanced understanding of project management methodologies and industry best practices.

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.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We\\\’re AtkinsRéalis, 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.

Find out more.

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.

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Associate Director - Planning employer: AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where every team member's contributions are valued. With a focus on flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth through acclaimed training programmes, you will have the opportunity to work on prestigious projects that make a real impact on communities and the environment. Join us in our mission towards a Net Zero Carbon future and enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises diversity, health, and happiness.
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Contact Detail:

AtkinsRéalis Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Planning

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with NEC contracts and their application in project management. Understanding these contracts will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your expertise during discussions with the hiring team.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience in leading planning disciplines for complex infrastructure projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed schedules and met contractual requirements.

Tip Number 3

Highlight your proficiency in project management software like Primavera P6 or MS Project. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools to deliver advanced reporting outputs will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated across diverse groups, as this is crucial for the role and will resonate well with the interviewers.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Planning

Project Management
Advanced Scheduling Techniques
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Critical Path Analysis
Delay Analysis Techniques
Stakeholder Engagement
NEC Contract Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Proficiency in Primavera P6
Proficiency in MS Project
Team Collaboration
Independent Working

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly in planning for complex infrastructure projects. Emphasise your knowledge of NEC contracts and any specific software proficiency like Primavera P6 or MS Project.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their values of collaboration and excellence, and mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your capabilities in stakeholder engagement and problem-solving.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your analytical and organisational skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed schedules, conducted delay analysis, or led planning disciplines in previous roles to illustrate your expertise.

Highlight Flexibility and Inclusivity: Since the company values flexible working arrangements, mention your adaptability and willingness to discuss work-life balance options. This shows you align with their culture and are open to reasonable adjustments that support both your ambitions and the company's goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis

Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Associate Director - Planning position. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Earned Value Management (EVM) and critical path evaluation, as these will likely come up during your interview.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in project management, especially in transportation, energy, or construction. Highlight specific projects where you led planning efforts and how you managed stakeholder engagement effectively.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to provide examples of how you've tackled complex scheduling issues in the past. Discuss any delay analysis techniques you’ve used and how they contributed to project success.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since the company values a collaborative environment, be prepared to talk about how you work within teams. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues and contributed to a positive team dynamic in previous roles.

Associate Director - Planning
AtkinsRéalis
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