At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects and guide teams to success.
- Company: AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating a better future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transformative projects and develop future leaders.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in project delivery and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The AtkinsRéalis Infrastructure Project Delivery Practice (PDP) is the centre of excellence for the delivery of infrastructure projects and combines the best in project management and design management to provide a full suite of services to clients in the public and private sectors. The team is responsible for delivery of design services across our markets of Water Infrastructure, Defence Infrastructure, Nuclear, Aviation, Energy, Rail (stations), and Urban Developments.
We are looking for a highly experienced Associate Director – Project Controls to provide senior leadership across major infrastructure and transformation programmes. This role is focused on end-to-end project and programme delivery, supporting clients and delivery partners to achieve successful outcomes through strong leadership, governance, performance management, and stakeholder engagement.
You will operate as a trusted senior advisor, helping clients shape delivery approaches, mobilise teams, manage performance, and embed continuous improvement across their programmes.
Your role
- Providing senior leadership across project and programme delivery environments
- Supporting clients in the successful setup, mobilisation, and delivery of programmes
- Leading delivery teams and delivery partners to achieve agreed outcomes, benefits, and performance targets
- Designing and embedding effective governance, decision-making, and reporting arrangements
- Driving delivery performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders and executive teams
- Facilitating delivery-focused workshops, peer assists, and leadership sessions
- Supporting business change, operating model design, and transformation initiatives
- Coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing delivery teams and future leaders
- Contributing to bid development and supporting strategic pursuits across key clients
About you
- Senior leadership experience in Project Delivery / Programme Delivery / Programme Advisory
- Proven experience delivering large-scale programmes within regulated or public-sector environments
- Strong expertise in delivery governance, performance management, and assurance
- Ability to operate confidently at executive and board level
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivery partners
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
- Experience in transport, defence, rail, digital or public-sector programmes
- Experience working within alliance or integrated delivery models
- Strong interest in data, insight, and digital approaches to improving delivery performance
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification (desirable)
- MSP Practitioner and/or PRINCE2 Programme Manager
- Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) or equivalent (desirable)
- Prosci Change Management Practitioner (desirable)
- Membership of a recognised professional body (CMI, APM, etc.)
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.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. 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.
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.
Associate Director employer: SNC-Lavalin
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and a flexible hybrid working culture, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and innovation while making a meaningful impact on global infrastructure and energy systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on how you come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your senior leadership experience in project delivery and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led successful projects and engaged stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Associate Director, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively. This will show us you can operate confidently at executive levels.
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 allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Associate Director in project delivery. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with them. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and the outcomes achieved.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams, managed performance, and driven continuous improvement in past roles. Highlight your experience in coaching and mentoring others.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key in this role. Think about how you've successfully engaged with clients and partners in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building relationships and facilitating workshops that drive project success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's projects and culture. Inquire about their current challenges in project delivery and how they envision the role contributing to their goals.
