Technical Director - Civil Structures in Epsom

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Civil Engineering Structures Technical Director to join our team in the UK. We are looking for an energetic and experienced Civil Structures Engineer that can both lead as technical expert in design of heavy civil structures as well as drive forward business results. AtkinsRéalis specialise in all aspects of civil structures engineering within the Energy, Defence, and Nuclear Sectors in the UK and internationally.

As a key member of our technical leadership team, you’ll play a vital role in shaping and delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects across the Energy, Defence, and Nuclear sectors – projects like Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, EPR2, Ministry of Defence Programmes, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and more.

In this role, you will set direction for complex, high-impact projects and initiatives, anticipate business and regulatory challenges or changes, and develop innovative solutions and offerings that move the business forward. Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world-class talent thrives without boundaries.

Your role as a Civil Engineering Structures Technical Director in the D&AT Practice includes the following responsibilities:

• Provide Technical Leadership within discipline for the national D&AT practice.
• Influence D&AT Practice wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal process and services.
• Serve as the recognised expert and technical authority in Civil Structural engineering of nuclear related structures across the D&AT Practice and wider AtkinsRéalis business.
• Provide visible representation of your and AtkinsRéalis’ Civil Structural Engineering technical expertise to our current and prospective clients.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including internal and external clients, operational staff, project teams, or external stakeholders.
• Recommend and drive improvements to processes, services, and technical practices while ensuring robust engineering governance is consistently upheld.
• Oversee technical input into bid proposals, defining the delivery strategy and working with cross‑functional teams to prepare high‑quality, compliant, competitive submissions.
• Proactively identify opportunities for cross‑selling and business growth, using commercial insight to strengthen and expand client relationships and selling our value proposition to clients.
• Grow, develop, and manage the Civil Structures engineering capability, particularly in the context of nuclear energy and defence markets, within the national practice, supporting talent development and succession planning.
• Anticipate emerging business, regulatory, and technology challenges, identifying risks and opportunities early and advising senior leadership.
• Provide strategic oversight across multiple complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery, and alignment with client and practice objectives.
• Work independently even in the most challenging situations.
• Act as the point of escalation for the most complex technical matters and exercise personal judgement to find solutions.

The ideal candidate would be a well-rounded and versatile individual who exemplifies the following key skills and attributes:

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or equivalent Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.
• Extensive experience in progressively senior technical roles, including significant leadership of complex, high‑risk, cross‑disciplinary projects and programmes.
• Nationally or internationally recognised subject matter expertise in your discipline(s).
• Experience in the nuclear industry is essential.
• Proven nuclear-sector leadership experience in the analysis and design of nuclear safety-related civil engineering structures.
• Takes broad perspective to identify innovative solutions, challenges the status quo.
• Comprehensive knowledge in design and analysis of heavy civil engineering structures, including reinforced concrete and steel with experience across all design phases and construction.
• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, British Standards, American Codes, etc.
• Champion continuous improvement, driving enhancements to processes, services, technical standards, and innovation across the practice.
• Commercially astute, with experience shaping winning proposals and driving practice or business growth.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity, anticipating challenges and persuading senior stakeholders to adopt new perspectives, and navigate diverse, international and cross-cultural delivery.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider AtkinsRéalis D&AT practice.

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.

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. 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.