Associate Director - Airport Civil Engineer

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting airport projects? How about joining our talented Airport Engineering Team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' challenges head‑on? It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world‑class talent knows no distinctions.

At AtkinsRéalis we are seeking an experienced Associate Director for Airport Civil Engineering to be a key senior leader in the business, responsible not only for technical excellence but also for strategic direction, client relationships and team leadership within the Airport team. You will lead the delivery of complex airfield infrastructure projects across major UK airports – including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester – as well as an expanding portfolio of international commissions.

This opportunity suits a senior professional with a strong industry profile, proven leadership capability and the ambition to shape the growth of a leading aviation consultancy.

Based within our established team in London, or Epsom, or our growing presence in Manchester, our Airport team is founded on deep technical expertise, operational understanding and a collaborative, solutions‑focused culture. We are well established across all major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, and continue to expand our international portfolio across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

As an Associate Director you will play a key role in setting direction for airfield civil engineering capability, leading major commissions, strengthening client relationships and supporting the long‑term development of people, tools and services within the practice.

At Associate Director level you will have accountability for technical excellence, client leadership and commercial performance, alongside line management and mentorship responsibilities.

• Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport civil engineering projects, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators and stakeholders, building long‑term client relationships and repeat business.
• Leading the development and delivery of airfield infrastructure projects, including pavement designs, materials specifications, maintenance plans and condition assessments, translating complex technical data into practical, deliverable engineering solutions.
• Overseeing demand forecasting, capacity assessment and data‑driven decision making, ensuring robust, defendable outputs.
• Taking overall responsibility for the quality, consistency and timely delivery of technical reports, presentations and client‑facing outputs.
• Chairing and leading senior design reviews, client workshops and stakeholder meetings.
• Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders and supporting market strategy.
• Contributing to the growth and direction of the airfield civil engineering discipline, including development of tools, guidance, training material and innovation initiatives.
• Providing line management, mentorship and career development support to senior and junior team members, building a strong succession pipeline.
• Actively engaging with and contributing to the global aviation and infrastructure network, sharing knowledge and best practice across regions.

• A degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution such as ICE.
• Extensive professional experience in airport or highways pavement design, with strong understanding of material specifications and maintenance and an appreciation of principles and application of UK and international pavement design methods.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, and multi‑disciplinary design teams on airfield infrastructure design projects from concept through to detailed design, delivering high‑quality outputs on time and within budget.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision‑making and managing risk.
• Soli…