At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex projects in Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power sectors to drive sustainable growth.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of critical infrastructure while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex infrastructure with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Overview
- Engineering a better future for our planet and its people
At Atkins Réalis, we deliver some of the world's most complex and critical programmes.
As we continue to grow across our Complex Projects business unit, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as
Senior Sector Director – Complex Projects , responsible for our Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power sectors.
This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for our growth sectors, leading and winning profitable work that drives sustainable growth, strengthening client relationships, overseeing service delivery, and leading a team of Sector Directors across some of the UK's most strategically important infrastructure and national security markets.
Reporting to the Lead Sector Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping market strategy, securing new opportunities, and ensuring the successful delivery of major programmes that support the UK's net zero, resilience, security and infrastructure ambitions.
The role combines strategic leadership, commercial accountability and market-facing growth responsibilities across a portfolio exceeding £50m revenue scope.
We offer flexibility to be based from any of our UK offices, with travel across the UK and occasionally internationally as required. What you'll be doing
As Senior Sector Director, you will lead our engagement across Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power markets, driving sustainable growth while ensuring delivery excellence and strong commercial performance.
Your role
- Strategic Growth & Market Leadership
- Develop and execute growth strategies across Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power markets for the UK&I Complex Projects business unit.
- Build and maintain senior relationships with government bodies, asset owners, operators, regulators, major contractors and delivery partners.
- Identify and secure new opportunities, expanding market share and creating sustainable growth pipelines.
- Lead cross-business collaboration to maximise opportunities and deliver integrated solutions for clients.
- Represent Atkins Réalis at industry events, forums and conferences, enhancing our market profile and thought leadership.
- Commercial & Business Performance
- Own revenue growth and contribute to market budgeting, forecasting and business planning activities.
- Oversee profitability and financial performance across the sector portfolio.
- Align commercial outcomes with strategic business objectives.
- Support investment prioritisation, resource planning and growth initiatives.
- Monitor performance across the sectors and implement improvement actions where required
- Client & Market Development
- Provide strategic direction across key client accounts and growth targets.
- Champion long-term client partnerships and trusted advisor relationships.
- Work closely with our Market Directors, Client Directors and technical leadership teams to shape winning propositions and growth strategies.
- Ensure our services remain aligned with evolving client needs and market challenges.
- Drive business development, work-winning and account growth activities across the portfolio.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team of Sector Directors and senior leaders.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Develop leadership capability and succession plans across the business.
- Foster collaboration across practices, markets and geographies to maximise client value and business performance.
About you
We are interested in hearing from accomplished leaders with a strong track record of growing businesses, winning work and leading teams within complex infrastructure, engineering or programme delivery environments.
Essential experience
- Significant leadership experience within one or more of the Nuclear, Defence, Water or Power sectors.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering growth strategies that create measurable business outcomes.
- Experience of leading and winning major bids and frameworks within these sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen, with responsibility for business performance, profitability and revenue growth.
- Established network of senior industry contacts across relevant sectors.
- Demonstrable success in winning work and developing strategic client relationships.
- Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across both public and private sector organisations.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
- Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
Desirable experience
- Experience operating across multiple regulated sectors.
- Previous accountability for business unit or portfolio P&L performance.
- Experience supporting major UK government programmes and critical national infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of delivery models, alliance structures and collaborative contracting approaches.
- Qualifications
- Degree-qualified or equivalent professional qualification.
- Chartered or professionally qualified within engineering, project management, commercial management or a related discipline.
- Commitment to professional excellence, mentoring and leadership development.
- 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.
- Rewards and benefits – Careers at Atkins Réalis
- 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.
Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, particularly in the dynamic field of environmental consultancy. Located in London, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and sustainability, providing team members with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. We are committed to supporting your journey towards chartership and offer a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester
✨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 Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects role you’re after at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at AtkinsRéalis a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects at AtkinsRéalis, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects, 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.
