Client Director, Defence Market

Job Description Overview

Atkins

Réalis is shaping the future of Defence Infrastructure, creating a safer tomorrow by empowering those who protect national and global security. Guided by our vision to engineer a safe, sustainable, and more secure world, we partner with government and industry to deliver innovative, mission‑critical solutions. In a complex and rapidly evolving environment, with increased UK government focus on Defence investment, the Defence market offers significant opportunities to leverage our global expertise and drive growth.

We are seeking a proven market leader with deep knowledge of the Defence domain and a strong track record of delivering commercial success in similar senior roles.

The Client Director leads the growth, client engagement, and operational excellence for a client or clients within the Defence market. This role is pivotal in driving revenue, profitability, and innovation while aligning with the company’s long‑term vision and values.

• Focused on Key Account Management and first‑class service provision in order to develop strong, long‑lasting relationships.
• Be the recognised relationship lead for the client or divisions within a client, providing knowledge, resources and being the natural point of escalation for issues and opportunities.
• Lead the journey of building a strategic partnership with the client, encouraging Atkins
  
  Réalis to contribute to the client’s success and developing a sustainable, long‑term relationship.
• Be accountable for the overall client experience working to Atkins
  
  Réalis as a leading, innovative and responsive supplier.

• Be the recognised client expert understanding in detail the client’s strategy, organisational design, key points of influence, culture, external drivers and their challenges, risks and opportunities.
• Identify the clients concerns and pain points and develop value propositions and services to meet these, working closely with practices and business development.

• Communicate and coordinate the Atkins
  
  Réalis resources that engage with the client. Create and coordinate a virtual team of client leads from other Business Units with a clear plan.
• Initiate a client stakeholder plan connecting up Atkins
  
  Réalis and the client at all relevant levels.
• Ensure the client needs and ambitions are communicated internally across the relevant Atkins
  
  Réalis practices to align our teams to the client opportunity.

• Develop business plans in line with the overall market objectives.
• Develop growth opportunities outside the current projects and seek cross‑selling opportunities.

• Be an ambassador for Atkins
  
  Réalis: attending and speaking at relevant events, hosting workshops and generally leveraging opportunities to build greater awareness of Atkins
  
  Réalis.
• Commercial Acumen
• In addition to revenue growth, deliver increased profitability through improving our value proposition.

• Strong commercial acumen and risk management.
• Data‑driven decision‑making.
• Influential communicator and motivator.

• Proven experience in a senior client‑facing role, ideally within a consultancy or professional services environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and a track record of driving revenue and margin growth.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep understanding of client strategy, market dynamics, and industry trends.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex client relationships.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. 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.

Be rewarded. Find…