At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex aviation projects and mentor a talented team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services organisation transforming infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for international travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while making a real impact on global projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in airport planning or airfield civil engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Aviation Technical Director to play a key role in the continued growth of our UK based Airports Team as well as UK and international aviation portfolio. This is a strategic leadership role for an individual who combines technical excellence in project delivery with a passion for client engagement, international work, and opportunity development.
The successful candidate will lead the design and delivery of complex aviation projects across the UK, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Dublin, and Manchester airports, while also working closely with our International Aviation Director and Market Directors to strengthen our presence in Europe, the Middle East, and other emerging regions. The candidate will play a key role in identifying, securing, and delivering high-profile local and international opportunities, and supporting the continued growth of our aviation portfolio.
In addition, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape and expand our established team of experienced Airfield Planners and Airport Civil Engineers, ensuring we are well-positioned to deliver a growing portfolio of global projects. A central focus will be on strengthening capability and capacity within the team while maintaining the high standards of technical excellence and delivery for which we are recognised.
This role is ideally suited to someone who is currently operating at Director level or who has a proven track record of project delivery technical assurance and work winning and is looking for greater involvement in business growth opportunities and leadership influence. It is a leadership position where your input will directly impact the direction of the business while also remaining involved in project delivery and shaping teams. Being a Technical Director with us involves UK wide travel. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week travel/office based. This position is ideally based at either our London or Epsom office to support the existing team but can also be based at our Manchester office for the right candidate.
- Project Leadership & Design Oversight
- Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport commissions, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
- Lead and oversee the design delivery of major aviation projects from concept through to completion.
- Provide quality assurance and technical governance to ensure project delivery excellence.
- Act as a technical design authority, guiding teams while maintaining appropriate involvement in delivery.
- Balance hands‑on engagement with strategic oversight, adapting involvement based on project needs.
- Team Leadership & Capability Growth
- Overseeing project demand forecasting, identifying team capability and capacity gaps, and capability development of existing teams, ensuring successful and consistent project delivery.
- Lead, mentor, and develop aviation design teams and building a strong succession pipeline.
- Support the growth and expansion of the team, including integration of established teams.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performing design culture.
- Overseeing the growth and direction of the airports team, recommending and driving improvements to processes, services, and technical practices while ensuring robust engineering governance is consistently upheld.
- Client Engagement & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key aviation clients and stakeholders.
- Represent the business in senior‑level meetings and project discussions.
- Play a visible leadership role in delivering client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long‑term client relationships and repeat business.
- International Growth & Business Development
- Support the identification, pursuit, and securing of international aviation opportunities.
- Contribute to bids, proposals, and strategic positioning in new markets.
- Play a key role in taking projects from opportunity through to successful delivery.
- Support the growth of the aviation pipeline both in the domestic UK&I market and internationally.
- Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders, and supporting market strategy.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- A relevant degree (or equivalent), with a postgraduate qualification in air transport or a related field desirable, and professional membership of a relevant institution.
- Extensive professional experience in airport planning or airfield civil engineering, with strong understanding of airfield planning, surface access, airfield or highways pavement design, and airport infrastructure design, ideally within a consultancy.
- Proven track record of leading large, complex multidisciplinary aviation projects delivering high‑quality outcomes on time and within budget.
Leadership & Commercial Skills
- A clear track record of successful client relationship management, including leading bids, winning work, and growing client accounts.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience shaping winning proposals and driving practice or business growth.
- Proven ability to operate effectively at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision‑making and managing risk.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced consultancy environment with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels.
- Collaborative leader demonstrating strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity.
At AtkinsRéalis, 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.
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.
Aviation Technical Director in Wells employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer for the Aviation Technical Director role, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a hybrid working model that supports work-life balance, all while engaging in high-profile projects at major UK airports and beyond. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to engineering a better future, where your leadership will directly influence our strategic direction and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aviation Technical Director in Wells
✨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 Aviation Technical Director. 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 Aviation Technical Director in Wells
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.
