At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure programmes and shape the future of project planning.
- 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: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and project controls with strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Major Infrastructure Programmes. Join AtkinsRéalis 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 AtkinsRéalis' 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.
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.
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.
Associate Director - Planning in Swindon 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 Swindon
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AtkinsRéalis, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Associate Director - Planning at AtkinsRéalis.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Planning in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
