Associate Director – Project Management; Northwest

Position: Associate Director – Project Management (Northwest)
## Associare Director
- Project Management Apply locations:
GB.Manchester.

Piccadilly:
GB.Crewe.

Tech Investigation Centre:
GB.Liverpool.

The Plaza:
GB.Cheltenham.

Cheltenham House:
GB.Birmingham
- Chamberlain Square time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Yesterday job requisition :
R-158541###
** Job Description**## OverviewA senior technical advisory role shaping a £300m+ education portfolio

AtkinsRéalis is a key partner on the Department for Education’s Technical Advisory Services 2025 framework, supporting delivery of a national programme exceeding 100 school  the North West, our portfolio of 12 live school replacement projects (growing to 15–18) requires a senior leader to provide technical direction, commercial oversight, and client assurance.

We are seeking an Associate Director to act as a technical advisor across the regional portfolio, ensuring alignment with national delivery standards and driving consistently high performance.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in delivering a nationally important education programme while operating at an Associate Director level with influence across a regional landscape. It involves working within a rapidly expanding £300m+ portfolio and collaborating with a high-performing national framework team. The position also provides a clear progression pathway toward Director-level leadership, making it both impactful and career-advancing.##

Your role Reporting to the Head of Project Management – North West, and working closely with the DfE Client Director, you will operate as a critical link between regional delivery and the national framework team.

This is a highly client-facing role, with regular engagement with the DfE Head of Operations and Project Directors, and influence across a £250–£300m portfolio.##
** Technical & Delivery Leadership
*** Act as regional technical advisor lead across all NW DfE projects, ensuring alignment with framework and national delivery standards
* Provide assurance across project lifecycle including governance, risk, and delivery strategies
* Lead gateway reviews and portfolio-level performance improvements
* Direct and influence project teams (without line management) to ensure consistent, best-in-class delivery
** Framework Integration
*** Ensure seamless integration with the national delivery team
* Apply in-depth knowledge of the DfE Technical Advisory Services 2025 framework
* Drive consistency in process, reporting, and delivery approach across all projects
** Commercial & Financial Management
*** Provide oversight of project finances across the portfolio
* Ensure robust management of fees, scope, and variations
* Support delivery of 90% utilisation targets and commercial performance
* Maintain accurate monthly reporting aligned to the business operating cycle
* Contribute to the national P&L through disciplined financial management
** Client Leadership
*** Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders
* Build strong relationships with regional DfE leadership
* Enhance AtkinsRéalis’ reputation as a strategic partner within the framework## About youWe are seeking a credible senior leader with strong technical and commercial acumen.
** Essential:
*** Proven experience in project or programme management within the built environment
* Strong background in public sector and education projects
* Demonstrable knowledge of the DfE Technical Advisory Services framework
* Experience operating at portfolio or multi-project level
* Strong commercial awareness, including fee, scope, and variation management
* Experience delivering robust reporting into business P&L cycles
* Highly effective client-facing and stakeholder management skills
* Chartered status (APM, RICS, or equivalent)
** Desirable:
*** Experience working on national frameworks or large-scale programmes.
* JCT contract experience.## Rewards & benefits

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…