At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure programmes and mentor high-performing planning teams.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while making a real impact on projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and project controls for major infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job Description
Overview
Shape the Future of Major Infrastructure Programmes.
Join Atkins Réalis and play a leading role in delivering some of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes.
We are seeking an experienced Planning Leader to join our Complex Projects team as an Associate Director.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead people, influence major client decisions, grow capability and help shape the future of our Planning and Project Controls practice.
You'll work across a diverse portfolio of major programmes spanning rail, water, energy, defence, aviation and transportation, collaborating with industry-leading professionals while helping our clients solve some of their biggest delivery challenges.
Whether your aspiration is to grow a high-performing team, drive innovation in project controls, strengthen client relationships or contribute to business growth, you'll have the platform and support to make a real impact.
Flexible and remote working are central to our culture, so talk to us about what matters most to you and how we can support your career ambitions both inside and outside of work.
Your role
- As an Associate Director, you will provide strategic leadership across major infrastructure programmes while supporting the growth and development of our planning capability.
- Lead planning teams on complex infrastructure and capital delivery programmes.
- Establish, maintain and assure programme baselines that support contractual obligations and performance management.
- Provide strategic planning advice and challenge to clients, project teams and senior stakeholders.
- Build trusted relationships with client leadership teams and act as a recognised planning expert.
- Integrate schedule, cost and risk information to drive informed decision-making.
- Lead programme assurance activities including schedule reviews, critical path analysis and performance reporting.
- Develop advanced reporting and performance measurement frameworks, including Earned Value Management.
- Oversee contractor schedules, baseline management and schedule governance processes.
- Conduct delay analysis, scenario planning and recovery planning to support successful project outcomes.
- Champion best practice, innovation and continuous improvement within planning and project controls.
- Lead, mentor and develop high-performing planning professionals.
- Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development across the practice.
- Contribute to business development, work winning activities and the growth of Atkins Réalis' Planning and Project Controls business.
About you
- We're interested in hearing from experienced Planning Leaders who combine technical excellence with strong leadership and client-facing skills.
- Degree qualification or equivalent relevant industry experience.
- Significant planning and project controls experience across major infrastructure projects or programmes.
- Experience leading planning teams in sectors such as rail, water, defence, energy, transportation, aviation or other complex infrastructure environments.
- Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6 and scheduling best practices.
- Experience integrating schedule, cost and risk information to support effective programme management.
- Strong understanding of NEC contracts and programme requirements.
- Experience developing and assuring complex project and programme schedules.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to engage confidently at senior levels.
- Experience managing, mentoring and developing planning professionals.
- A collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing people.
- The ability to influence decision-making and build trusted client relationships.
- Experience with Earned Value Management and programme performance frameworks.
- Knowledge of delay analysis and forensic planning techniques.
- Experience supporting business development, strategic growth or work winning activities.
- Rewards & 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 Atkins Réalis
We're Atkins Réalis, 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.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria.
If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
- Worker Type
- Employee
- Job Type
- Regular
- Atkins Réalis
, 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.
Associate Director - Planning in Bristol employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the Secure Government division. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, all while contributing to impactful infrastructure transformation projects in the UK. With a focus on autonomy and client engagement, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Planning in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Associate Director - Planning role you’re after at AtkinsRéalis.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Planning in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate Director - Planning, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AtkinsRéalis a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AtkinsRéalis specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AtkinsRéalis, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AtkinsRéalis want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
