At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major public-sector highway projects and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join a market-leading construction consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, annual bonus, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and delivering complex infrastructure projects.
- Other info: Enjoy a fun, relaxed environment with clear career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 72000 £ per year.
My client is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join our Manchester team, leading the delivery of major public-sector funded highway infrastructure projects. The role focuses on early-stage, pre-contract project delivery, managing budgets and programmes, and leading multi-disciplinary teams. You will act as a key client interface, work closely with senior regional leadership to develop new opportunities, and manage key client accounts.
- Lead the delivery of major public-sector funded highway infrastructure projects from the Manchester office
- Oversee early-stage, pre-contract project activities for public sector clients
- Manage project budgets, programmes, and commercial performance
- Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams
- Act as a key point of contact for clients and external stakeholders
- Chair and lead project meetings and governance processes
- Support regional senior management in developing new opportunities and work-winning activities
- Manage and develop key client accounts
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, cost, and programme objectives
- Provide strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making across project teams
The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects.
- Experience delivering highway infrastructure projects (for public sector clients)
- Pre-contract project management and commercial management experience
- Knowledge of the UK planning process (e.g. EIA, ES, conditions)
- Programme and budget management
- Managing consultants and multi-disciplinary teams
- Liaison with statutory stakeholders (e.g. National Highways, Network Rail)
- Preparation of project documentation and chairing project meetings
- NEC contracts knowledge
- Cost and risk management experience
- Understanding of government funding, guidance (e.g. WebTAG/DMRB) and procurement processes
- Experience with land acquisition and stakeholder engagement
- Strong leadership and client-facing skills
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving abilities
- Flexible and adaptable approach, with willingness to travel (Manchester-based, occasional Yorkshire/Nottingham travel)
Atkins Search are currently recruiting for an Associate Director Project Manager to join a market leading Construction Consultancy based in Manchester. Priding themselves on their collaborative culture, my client offers you the chance to become an integral part of their business, giving you the chance to truly shine!
A highly competitive salary £72,000 - £80,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
- Pension contribution
- Annual bonus
- Flexible working hours
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Annual salary review
- Hybrid working
- Professional training and development
- Mileage and expense reimbursement
- Laptop and mobile phone
- Regular social events
- Fun, relaxed working environment
- Clear career path and realistic opportunities to progress
Associate Director Project Manager employer: AtkinsRéalis
Contact Detail:
AtkinsRéalis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience with public-sector projects and your leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and led teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent work, especially in highway infrastructure. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with public-sector funded projects and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Manchester team. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and delivered projects on time and within budget. We’re all about strong leadership here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the major public-sector funded highway infrastructure projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed budgets and programmes, and the outcomes of those projects. This will show your expertise and give you confidence during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and chair project meetings effectively. Think about times when you had to solve problems or make tough decisions, and be ready to share these stories to demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients before the interview. Understand their goals and challenges in the public sector. This will help you articulate how you can act as a key client interface and manage key client accounts effectively, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also aligned with their mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to NEC contracts, cost and risk management, and the UK planning process. Brush up on your knowledge of government funding and procurement processes. Being well-prepared for these technical aspects will demonstrate your commercial awareness and readiness to tackle the complexities of the role.