Principal Project Manager (Nuclear Defence)

Are you someone who loves delighting clients, and inspiring teams to deliver exceptional results? Are you someone who brings energy, adaptability, and confidence to complex projects? Are you a Leader? If that sounds like you, then we are waiting for you to join our engineering project management team.

Our team within the Nuclear Reactor Operations business specialises in taking on some of the most significant engineering projects in the nuclear sector - projects that make a real difference to the UK’s energy future and global security. From supporting EDF Energy, delivering safe, reliable, low‑carbon nuclear generation at their UK power stations and preparing them for defueling, to partnering with Rolls‑Royce on nuclear propulsion systems for UK and allied defence units, our work is varied and has real world impact. In addition, we are helping to restore the UK’s sovereign capability to manufacture nuclear fuel as well as supporting other clients and parts of the wider AtkinsRéalis business covering the full lifecycle of nuclear projects – from nuclear new build to deconstruction/dismantling, defence, nuclear fusion and net zero energy initiatives.

As a Project Manager with AtkinsRéalis, you’ll be at the heart of this work. Whether you’re leading our consultancy projects or embedded within client organisations, you’ll play a key role in shaping outcomes, building relationships, and driving success. Opportunities range from junior, mid‑grade, and senior levels, full‑time or part‑time – so if you’re early in your project management career and only meet some of the requirements we would still love to hear from you.

• Shape success from the start by working closely with clients to understand their needs and translate them into clear, achievable project requirements.
• Create solutions that deliver impact, collaborating with AtkinsRéalis teams to develop plans, bids, and solutions that meet our client needs.
• Drive progress with confidence, proactively managing forecasting, change management, risk management, and reporting to keep projects on track and stakeholders informed.
• Build trust through professionalism and care, instilling confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Empower teams to perform at their best, securing and developing the right resources and embedding robust processes that set projects up for success.
• Champion best practice, sharing knowledge and improving project management standards across the business.
• Support operational excellence, contributing to project financial planning and reporting, resourcing, and cash flow management to ensure projects run smoothly.

You’ll be based at one of our key hubs (Bristol, Glasgow, Derby, Sheffield, Manchester, Preston, Epsom, or Suffolk), with the flexibility of hybrid working – balancing client needs with time at home and in the office. You’re proactive and forward‑thinking, anticipating challenges before they arise and taking pride in helping teams stay organised and focused. You’re naturally collaborative – you quickly and easily establish a rapport and build relationships with others, using this to delight our clients and help win new and repeat work. You’re passionate about motivating others and inspiring your team to turn ideas into action. You feel confident managing commercial risks, agreeing the best way forwards quickly and easily, and creating alignment across diverse stakeholders. You pay attention to the wider context and bigger picture to inform your commercial approach. You are detail‑focused. You notice the small things that others might miss, ensuring contract documents – such as offer and variations – are clear, concise, and without ambiguity. You’ll thrive on embedding robust project management arrangements and plans, covering all eventualities, setting technically complex engineering projects up for success.

A recognised engineering degree and / or a recognised project management qualification are a bonus, but not essential – we’ll support your growth and development as you work with us. We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation. 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.

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.