Project Director - Power and Industrial Market

Overview

Atkins

Réalis is at the forefront of delivering projects that support energy security, net zero and industrial transformation, and is on an ambitious journey to significantly grow its presence within the Power & Industrial sector. This is a unique opportunity to join at a pivotal moment and play a leading role in shaping that growth from the outset. As a Project Director within the Project Delivery Practice (PDP), this role offers the chance to lead high‑profile, complex power and energy projects across the UK and internationally, while building lasting client relationships, driving business growth, and strengthening delivery capability.

Operating at the heart of the energy transition, the position combines strategic leadership with hands‑on impact—guiding high‑performing teams, influencing major programmes, and helping to deliver some of the most important infrastructure projects of today and tomorrow, all within a collaborative environment that supports flexibility, innovation and career progression.

• Lead the successful delivery of major and complex Power & Industrial projects across the full lifecycle—from early feasibility through to delivery and close‑out.
• Provide strategic leadership and governance as Project Director, ensuring safe, high‑quality, on‑time and commercially successful outcomes.
• Build and sustain strong, trusted client relationships, acting as a senior advisor and influencing decision‑making at executive level.
• Oversee project performance, ensuring effective management of cost, schedule, risk and reporting.
• Resolve complex commercial, contractual and delivery challenges while protecting business outcomes.
• Apply sector knowledge across energy transition projects, including power generation, storage, hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation.
• Maintain accountability for commercial performance, including contract strategy, financial management and key negotiations.
• Lead, mentor and support inclusive, high‑performing teams, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to business growth through bid leadership, client development and securing future opportunities.
• Support the ongoing development of best practice and capability within the Power & Industrial Project Delivery community.

• Proven experience delivering major, complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects at Project Director level.
• Strong sector experience across power grids, generation, renewables, hydrogen, energy storage, oil & gas or industrial decarbonisation.
• Extensive experience leading client relationships and engaging stakeholders in regulated, safety‑critical environments.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, forecasting, risk and contract administration.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with experience building, leading and mentoring high‑performing teams.
• A degree in engineering, construction or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (e.g. APM, ICE, RICS or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, flexible holiday allowances, a hybrid working culture and a range of training and professional development opportunities. The role is supported by a comprehensive benefits package.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If necessary, the vetting process will be discussed during interview. Candidates must not provide details of any current or previously held security clearance in the application.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.