At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in Nuclear, Defence, Water, and Power sectors while inspiring a high-performing team.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a leader in delivering complex and critical programmes for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, tailored benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working culture with opportunities for travel and collaboration across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's infrastructure and national security while shaping market strategies.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in relevant sectors and a proven track record of driving growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Engineering a better future for our planet and its people. At AtkinsRéalis, we deliver some of the world's most complex and critical programmes. As we continue to grow across our Complex Projects business unit, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Senior Sector Director – Complex Projects, responsible for our Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power sectors. This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for our growth sectors, leading and winning profitable work that drives sustainable growth, strengthening client relationships, overseeing service delivery, and leading a team of Sector Directors across some of the UK's most strategically important infrastructure and national security markets.
Reporting to the Lead Sector Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping market strategy, securing new opportunities, and ensuring the successful delivery of major programmes that support the UK's net zero, resilience, security and infrastructure ambitions. The role combines strategic leadership, commercial accountability and market-facing growth responsibilities across a portfolio exceeding £50m revenue scope. We offer flexibility to be based from any of our UK offices, with travel across the UK and occasionally internationally as required.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Growth & Market Leadership – develop and execute growth strategies across Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power markets for the UK&I Complex Projects business unit. Build and maintain senior relationships with government bodies, asset owners, operators, regulators, major contractors and delivery partners. Identify and secure new opportunities, expanding market share and creating sustainable growth pipelines. Lead cross-business collaboration to maximise opportunities and deliver integrated solutions for clients. Represent AtkinsRéalis at industry events, forums and conferences, enhancing our market profile and thought leadership.
- Commercial & Business Performance – own revenue growth and contribute to market budgeting, forecasting and business planning activities. Oversee profitability and financial performance across the sector portfolio. Align commercial outcomes with strategic business objectives. Support investment prioritisation, resource planning and growth initiatives. Monitor performance across the sectors and implement improvement actions where required.
- Client & Market Development – provide strategic direction across key client accounts and growth targets. Champion long-term client partnerships and trusted advisor relationships. Work closely with our Market Directors, Client Directors and technical leadership teams to shape winning propositions and growth strategies. Ensure our services remain aligned with evolving client needs and market challenges. Drive business development, work-winning and account growth activities across the portfolio.
- Leadership & Team Development – lead, inspire and develop a high‑performing team of Sector Directors and senior leaders. Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, teamwork and continuous improvement. Develop leadership capability and succession plans across the business. Foster collaboration across practices, markets and geographies to maximise client value and business performance.
Qualifications
Essential experience: significant leadership experience within one or more of the Nuclear, Defence, Water or Power sectors. Proven track record of developing and delivering growth strategies that create measurable business outcomes. Experience of leading and winning major bids and frameworks within these sectors. Strong commercial acumen, with responsibility for business performance, profitability and revenue growth. Established network of senior industry contacts across relevant sectors. Demonstrable success in winning work and developing strategic client relationships. Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across both public and private sector organisations. Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams in complex environments. Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
Desirable experience: experience operating across multiple regulated sectors. Previous accountability for business unit or portfolio P&L performance. Experience supporting major UK government programmes and critical national infrastructure projects. Knowledge of delivery models, alliance structures and collaborative contracting approaches.
Qualifications: degree-qualified or equivalent professional qualification. Chartered or professionally qualified within engineering, project management, commercial management or a related discipline. Commitment to professional excellence, mentoring and leadership development.
Rewards & Benefits
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 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
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.
Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester employer: SNC-Lavalin
Snc-Lavalin is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering extensive training opportunities and a competitive salary. With a dynamic work culture in Birmingham, you will be part of a collaborative team that drives transformational change across major UK infrastructure programmes, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Sector Director, Complex Projects, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SNC-Lavalin a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SNC-Lavalin specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SNC-Lavalin, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
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✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
