Technical Director - Civil Engineering

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Technical Director for Civil Engineering to join our team in the UK. We are looking for an energetic and experienced Civil Engineer that can both lead as technical expert in civil design and drive forward business results. AtkinsRéalis specialise in civil engineering within the Land Development Sector for significant infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally, with opportunities across sectors such as nuclear energy, defence, and water infrastructure. We are committed to providing industry-leading engineering solutions through the project lifecycle, with value added through client-side support as well as construction phases.

As a key member of our technical leadership team, you'll shape and deliver transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark projects for our Land Development portfolio-including Sizewell C, Ministry of Defence Programmes, Net Zero and Renewable Energy Projects, Homes England, Revantage UK, MADE Partnership, and more. You will drive results by contributing to functional strategy, influencing senior stakeholders, and leading within the civil group and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver measurable outcomes. This role involves UK-wide travel and a hybrid working arrangement (3 days per week travel/office based). The position can be based at multiple locations: Epsom, London, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, or Glasgow, with additional offices available and potential travel to other locations as needed.

Your role

As a Civil Engineering Technical Director in the D&AT Practice, you will:

• Provide Technical Leadership within the discipline for the national D&AT practice and influence Practice-wide initiatives; recommend best practices to improve internal processes and services.
• Serve as a recognised expert and technical authority in Civil Engineering across the D&AT Practice and wider AtkinsRéalis business.
• Provide visible representation of AtkinsRéalis' Civil Engineering technical expertise to 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 upheld.
• Oversee technical input into bid proposals, define the delivery strategy, and work with cross-functional teams to prepare high-quality, compliant submissions.
• Proactively identify opportunities for cross-selling and business growth, using commercial insight to strengthen and expand client relationships and communicate our value proposition.
• Grow, develop, and manage the Civil Engineering capability 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 challenging situations and act as the point of escalation for complex technical matters.

About you

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

• A degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent. Chartered Civil Engineer.
• Extensive experience in progressively senior technical roles, including leadership of complex, high risk, cross disciplinary projects and programmes.
• Nationally or internationally recognised subject matter expertise in utilities, drainage, paved and unpaved surfaces, access and accessibility, earthworks and construction logistics.
• Experience in the Energy or Defence markets is beneficial.
• Broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and challenge the status quo.
• Comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering including drainage, utilities, pavements and earthworks across all design phases including construction.
• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards, and industry best practices including CDM Regulations.
• Champion continuous improvement, driving enhancements to processes, services, technical standards, and innovation.
• Commercially astute with experience shaping winning proposals and driving practice or business growth.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly, anticipate challenges, and persuade senior stakeholders; able to navigate diverse, international and cross-cultural delivery.
• Proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider D&AT practice.
• Meet some but not all of the criteria? We'd still love to hear from you. Please submit your CV with a cover letter outlining your motivation and alignment with the role.

Rewards & Benefits

Explore rewards and benefits designed to help you thrive at every stage of your life and career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits you can tailor to your health, wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle choices. Access opportunities for training and professional development, along with a hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance work and personal life.

About AtkinsRéalis

We are a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization that connects people, data and technology to transform global infrastructure and energy systems. We work with industry partners and clients, and a global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone belongs and can thrive.

Additional information

• Security clearance: This role may require security clearance; the offer of employment is dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. UKSV vetting may require five years of UK residency. Do not include details of any current or previous security clearance in your application or CV.
• Equality: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.