At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting airport planning projects and shape the future of aviation.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive aviation consultancy with a global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in airport development while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in airport planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting airport projects? How about joining our talented Airport Engineering Team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' challenges head‑on. It’s a diverse and inclusive work environment where world‑class talent knows no distinctions.
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Airport Planning to provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and commercial oversight within our internationally respected Airport Planning team. This role is suited to a senior practitioner with a strong industry profile, proven leadership capability, and the ambition to shape the future growth of a leading aviation consultancy. Based in the South East of England (London and Epsom Surrey), our Airport team is founded on deep technical expertise, operational understanding, and a collaborative, solutions‑focused culture. We are well established across all major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, and continue to expand our international portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
As an Associate Director, you will play a key role in setting direction for airport planning capability, leading major commissions, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the long‑term development of people, tools, and services within the practice.
Your Role
- Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport planning commissions, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long‑term client relationships and repeat business.
- Leading the development and delivery of airport masterplans and strategic planning studies, including airfield, terminal, apron, surface access, and landside development.
- Overseeing demand forecasting, capacity assessment, and data‑driven decision‑making, ensuring robust, defendable outputs.
- Taking overall responsibility for the quality, consistency, and timely delivery of technical reports, presentations, and client‑facing outputs.
- Chairing and leading senior design reviews, client workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
- Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders, and supporting market strategy.
- Contributing to the growth and direction of the airport planning discipline, including development of tools, guidance, training material, and innovation initiatives.
- Providing line management, mentorship, and career development support to senior and junior team members, building a strong succession pipeline.
- Actively engaging with and contributing to the global aviation and infrastructure network, sharing knowledge and best practice across regions.
Qualifications
- Extensive professional experience in airport planning and development, with strong understanding of airfield planning, terminal planning, surface access, and facilities planning.
- In‑depth knowledge of CAA, EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards, and their application to real‑world airport environments.
- A relevant degree (or equivalent), with a postgraduate qualification in air transport or a related field desirable, and professional membership of 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.
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.
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.
Equal Opportunities
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. 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 Director – Airport Planning in Surrey employer: AtkinsRéalis
Join a leading aviation consultancy that champions diversity and inclusivity, where your expertise as an Associate Director – Airport Planning will be valued and impactful. Located in the vibrant South East of England, our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through tailored training opportunities and flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. With competitive salaries and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our team to shape the future of airport planning while building lasting client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Airport Planning in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend airport planning events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see your passion for airport planning, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've led complex projects and built strong client relationships. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide teams, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Airport Planning in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in airport planning. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Associate Director, we want to see your proven leadership capabilities. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise your extensive professional experience in airport planning and development. Mention any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving major UK airports.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of airport planning and development. Familiarise yourself with CAA, EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards, as well as recent projects in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take on the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to lead teams and manage complex projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past, highlighting your ability to influence decision-making and manage client relationships. This will give interviewers confidence in your leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges in airport planning and how you would approach them. This will showcase your ability to think critically and provide defendable outputs under pressure.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company's values and culture, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and support the growth of your team members. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company as a whole.
