Associate Director - Planning

Job Description Overview

Step into a pivotal role within our Complex Projects team at Atkins

Réalis, where you'll help shape some of the world’s most iconic infrastructure and energy projects. Your leadership will drive progress and inspire excellence, fostering a truly collaborative culture.

• Develop, maintain, and manage robust baselines aligned with contractual and performance metrics.
• Lead the planning function across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Facilitate workshops and performance reviews that challenge assumptions and drive accountability.
• Ensure schedule compliance with contract obligations, particularly under NEC frameworks.
• Deliver advanced reporting outputs including Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Integrate schedule, cost, and risk to provide strategic insights and decision support.
• Conduct critical path analysis and scenario planning to mitigate risks and enhance delivery.
• Apply expert-level delay analysis techniques and assure contractor schedule integrity.

• A degree in Project Management, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Demonstrated success as a planning leader in sectors such as transport, energy, defence, water, or rail.
• Strong people‑management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
• In‑depth knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical application in complex environments.
• Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Analytical acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative mindset.
• Advanced understanding of project management methodologies and industry best practices.

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development, a hybrid working culture, and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Security clearance may be required. Offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance and proof of residency in the UK of five years or longer. Details of current or previous security clearance should not be included in your application or CV.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds and encourage diversity. We offer a range of family‑friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee resource groups.