Associate Director, Social Value

Overview

Social value is a critical part of how organisations create sustainable growth, build resilience and deliver lasting impact. At AtkinsRéalis, we help clients transform ambition into action, embedding social value into the heart of major projects, programmes and investment decisions.

Our growing Social Value Consultancy team partners with leading public and private sector organisations to develop innovative strategies that deliver measurable benefits for communities, the economy and the environment. With opportunities spanning infrastructure, water, energy, renewables, transportation, defence and the built environment, our people work on some of the most significant projects shaping society today.

As an Associate Director, you will be part of a team at the forefront of the profession driving innovation, influencing decision-makers, growing client relationships and delivering positive impact on a scale that truly matters.

AtkinsRéalis are looking to appoint an Associate Director Social Value to support the development of Social Value Consultancy Services within our UK&I business. You will be dedicated to our Transportation business unit which has a wide portfolio of clients and projects of varying sizes and complexities. We are flexible about the sector you come from as it is more important to us that your experience and drive comes from wanting to create better communities for everyone, in environments that we all want to live in and be a part of.

This is intended to be a full-time role; however, we are open to discussing part‑time working arrangements. Our preference is for you to work from an AtkinsRéalis office or client site at least three days per week, with travel required as project needs demand. The remaining days can be worked flexibly from home.

Location:

Midlands and North of England, however other areas will be considered.

You will need to be able to:

• Build trusted client relationships and position AtkinsRéalis as a strategic partner on social value and wider business priorities.
• Shape social value strategy by translating client needs, market trends and policy developments into impactful and commercially viable solutions.
• Lead complex programmes and build social value delivery teams, ensuring high-quality delivery, governance and measurable outcomes.
• Drive business growth through account management, opportunity development, strategic partnerships and successful win‑work activity.
• Driving innovation, shaping strategic decisions through trusted advice, growing client relationships and delivering positive impact.
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams, creating an inclusive culture that supports collaboration, accountability and professional growth.
• Drive technical excellence by advancing methodologies, tools, reporting, governance and assurance practices.
• Deliver measurable impact, ensuring social value commitments are evidence-led, achievable and translated into meaningful outcomes for clients and communities.
• Represent AtkinsRéalis externally, building market profile through thought leadership, industry engagement and strategic networks.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A proven leader with experience of developing high-performing teams, building strong relationships and delivering successful social value programmes across a range of markets.
• A strong communicator, with the ability to influence and engage a wide variety of audiences including internal leaders, clients and multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining client relationships, promoting AtkinsRéalis’ services.
• Confident in managing senior stakeholders, influencing at the highest levels, and working collaboratively across departments to maximise opportunities.
• Comfortable operating in complex and dynamic environments, balancing strategic thinking, commercial priorities and delivery excellence.
• Understanding of the key drivers and developments in social value delivery in the UK and experience of applying this knowledge.
• Understanding of, and practical experience in using social value metrics in the measurement, monitoring and reporting of social outcomes and impact.

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