At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative airport planning projects and mentor the next generation of professionals.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering firm shaping the future of aviation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture that values diversity and encourages innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major airport projects across the UK and internationally.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in airport planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Apply Your Expertise and Shape the Future of our Airports. At AtkinsRéalis, our Design & Advanced Technology practice brings together some of the UK's most diverse engineering and design expertise to tackle the most complex challenges facing our clients and communities.
We are seeking an Associate or Associate Director Airport Planner to join our internationally respected Airport Planning team and play a leading role in shaping the future of aviation infrastructure. This is an opportunity for an experienced airport planning professional to provide technical leadership, strategic direction and project oversight across a diverse portfolio of major aviation programmes, whilst helping to drive the continued growth of our airport planning capability.
Our Airport Planning team combines deep technical expertise, operational understanding and a collaborative, solutions-focused culture. We are trusted advisors to many of the UK's leading airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, and continue to grow our international portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Australia. Our work spans airport masterplanning, capacity enhancement programmes, terminal and airfield planning, aviation strategy, airport development programmes and emerging aviation technologies.
As an Associate or Associate Director, you will play a key role in leading major commissions, developing and strengthening client relationships, supporting business growth, and mentoring the next generation of airport planning professionals. Working alongside a highly respected team of aviation specialists, you will help shape the future direction of our airport planning services while delivering innovative solutions for some of the industry's most complex and nationally significant projects.
You’ll benefit from:
- Working on high-profile airport projects across the UK and internationally.
- Accelerating your career through technical leadership, client engagement, thought leadership and business development opportunities.
- Working alongside recognised aviation specialists within one of the industry's leading airport planning teams.
- Playing a key role in the growth of our aviation business, helping to shape future services, capabilities and market opportunities.
- A culture that encourages innovation, technical excellence and professional growth.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance.
- Clear career progression pathways and professional development opportunities.
We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position can be based from any of our major offices of London Nova, Epsom, Birmingham, Bristol, or Manchester.
Your role:
- At Associate or Associate Director level, you will have accountability for technical excellence, client leadership, and commercial performance, alongside line management and mentorship responsibilities.
- Lead complex airport planning projects and multidisciplinary teams across the UK and internationally.
- Build trusted relationships with airport operators, investors, regulators and government stakeholders.
- Lead airport masterplans, aviation strategies, and airfield, terminal and landside planning studies.
- Direct demand forecasting, capacity assessments and operational analyses to inform strategic decisions.
- Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across project deliverables.
- Lead client workshops, stakeholder engagement activities and multidisciplinary reviews.
- Support business development through client engagement, opportunity identification and bid leadership.
- Drive innovation, best practice and continuous improvement within the Airport Planning team.
- Mentor and develop colleagues, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Collaborate across our global aviation network to share expertise and deliver integrated solutions.
About you:
We're seeking technically strong, commercially aware engineers who enjoy collaborative working and take a proactive approach to solving complex challenges. You will be confident leading multidisciplinary teams, developing client relationships, and delivering high-quality solutions while supporting and mentoring less experienced engineers.
- Significant experience in airport planning and development, with expertise across airfield, terminal, surface access and landside planning.
- Strong knowledge of aviation industry standards and guidance, including CAA, EASA, ICAO and IATA requirements.
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, with a postgraduate qualification in air transport or a related field desirable, and professional membership with a relevant institution.
- Strong understanding of airport strategy, operational interfaces, and development drivers, including passenger and baggage flows, retail and commercial planning, and surface access integration.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, multi‑disciplinary projects, delivering high‑quality outputs on time and within budget.
- Proven ability to operate effectively at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision‑making and managing risk.
- Solid understanding of commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of consultancy project delivery.
- A clear track record of successful business development, including leading bids, winning work, and growing client accounts.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced consultancy environment with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Willingness to travel periodically for short‑term project assignments.
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.
Additional information:
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.
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.
Associate or Associate Director Airport Planning (flexible across various locations in UK) in Epsom 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 or Associate Director Airport Planning (flexible across various locations in UK) in Epsom
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AtkinsRéalis for a Associate or Associate Director Airport Planning (flexible across various locations in UK). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate or Associate Director Airport Planning (flexible across various locations in UK) in Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AtkinsRéalis, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AtkinsRéalis, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AtkinsRéalis.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AtkinsRéalis. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AtkinsRéalis love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
