Associate Director

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is a world‑leading design, engineering and project management organisation that connects people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We deliver prestige construction projects worldwide and thrive on a collaborative culture that values diversity, continuous learning and inclusive work‑life balance, including flexible and remote working arrangements.

Job Summary

AtkinsRéalis is recruiting a high‑calibre Associate Director for its Project & Programme Management Team in Edinburgh. The successful candidate will join a successful and established team of practitioners across Scotland, playing a lead role in delivering high‑quality projects and technical excellence for key market sectors.

Your role

• A highly motivated and collaborative Project Management Practitioner experienced in delivering best practice methodology on larger and more complex projects.
• Recent client‑facing Project Management consultancy experience within the Development, Commercial Property or Public sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to proactively lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Recent experience acting in an NEC Project Manager role essential.
• The ability to articulate construction industry knowledge and technical excellence to clients and colleagues.
• A keen desire to proactively lead and develop client relationships and accounts.

About you

• Lead the management and execution of construction projects through the whole project life cycle, utilising best practice methodology.
• Establish and build positive and collaborative relationships with all project stakeholders in accordance with AtkinsRéalis values.
• Act as lead client interface in providing service delivery, demonstrating your role as a key stakeholder, account lead and first point of contact.
• Responsibility for the commercial success of projects under your control, including effective and efficient management of project accounts, governance and resource requirements.
• Ensure service delivery compliance with AtkinsRéalis policies, toolkits and standards.
• Line‑manage the team, balancing workload while providing guidance, leadership and technical expertise.
• Act as a mentor and coordinate development activities of junior team members.
• Work with regional and UK sector and account leads to drive the development of new business opportunities in line with business strategy.
• Lead the preparation of fee proposals and bid submissions.
• Lead large‑scale, complex projects from inception to completion with minimal support from senior colleagues.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legal and technical matters relevant to your practice and applicable regional law.
• Apply fundamentals of quality assurance and environmental management in compliance with organisational policies.
• Develop an understanding of the organisation's safety policies and arrange for personal safety while at work.
• Consciously monitor how you interact with others in accordance with the organisation's values.

Requirements

• Degree qualification (or equivalent) in a construction‑related discipline.
• Professional membership of a recognised institution (MRICS, MAPM or equivalent).
• A positive, collaborative and innovative approach that works independently.
• Effective leadership of project management services in a client‑facing role.
• Experience building positive client relationships and business networks.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering successful projects through a recognised project management methodology.
• Sound technical project management knowledge demonstrating established experience and aptitude.
• Experience administering standard UK building contracts (NEC, SBCC and JCT forms) and advising on appropriate procurement routes.
• Effective review of contracts, including familiarity with contractual obligations, breaches and remedies.
• Thorough understanding of Health & Safety and Environmental legislation applicable to the UK construction industry.
• Committed to ongoing personal development.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Rewards & benefits

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a wide range of benefits you can tailor to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Benefit from extensive training, professional development and a hybrid working culture with flexible holiday allowances to balance career and life.

About AtkinsRéalis

We are a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation dedicated to leading our clients across various markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be contingent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If necessary, the vetting process will be discussed at interview; it may require proof of UK residency for five years or longer. Candidates should not mention current or previous security clearance details in their application.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong—supporting all employees through family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible arrangements and employee resource groups. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering interviews to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. Let us know at the application stage if you would like to be considered under this commitment.