Senior Director, Complex Projects

Overview

Engineering a better future for our planet and its people

At AtkinsRéalis, we deliver some of the world's most complex and critical programmes. As we continue to grow across our Complex Projects business unit, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Senior Sector Director – Complex Projects
, responsible for our Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power sectors.

This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for our growth sectors, leading and winning profitable work that drives sustainable growth, strengthening client relationships, overseeing service delivery, and leading a team of Sector Directors across some of the UK's most strategically important infrastructure and national security markets.

Reporting to the Lead Sector Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping market strategy, securing new opportunities, and ensuring the successful delivery of major programmes that support the UK's net zero, resilience, security and infrastructure ambitions. The role combines strategic leadership, commercial accountability and market-facing growth responsibilities across a portfolio exceeding £50m revenue scope.

We offer flexibility to be based from any of our UK offices, with travel across the UK and occasionally internationally as required. What you'll be doing

As Senior Sector Director, you will lead our engagement across Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power markets, driving sustainable growth while ensuring delivery excellence and strong commercial performance.

Strategic Growth & Market Leadership

• Develop and execute growth strategies across Nuclear, Defence, Water and Power markets for the UK&I Complex Projects business unit.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with government bodies, asset owners, operators, regulators, major contractors and delivery partners.
• Identify and secure new opportunities, expanding market share and creating sustainable growth pipelines.
• Lead cross-business collaboration to maximise opportunities and deliver integrated solutions for clients.
• Represent AtkinsRéalis at industry events, forums and conferences, enhancing our market profile and thought leadership.

Commercial & Business Performance

• Own revenue growth and contribute to market budgeting, forecasting and business planning activities.
• Oversee profitability and financial performance across the sector portfolio.
• Align commercial outcomes with strategic business objectives.
• Support investment prioritisation, resource planning and growth initiatives.
• Monitor performance across the sectors and implement improvement actions where required

Client & Market Development

• Provide strategic direction across key client accounts and growth targets.
• Champion long‑term client partnerships and trusted advisor relationships.
• Work closely with our Market Directors, Client Directors and technical leadership teams to shape winning propositions and growth strategies.
• Ensure our services remain aligned with evolving client needs and market challenges.
• Drive business development, work-winning and account growth activities across the portfolio.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, inspire and develop a high‑performing team of Sector Directors and senior leaders.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Develop leadership capability and succession plans across the business.
• Foster collaboration across practices, markets and geographies to maximise client value and business performance.

We are interested in hearing from accomplished leaders with a strong track record of growing businesses, winning work and leading teams within complex infrastructure, engineering or programme delivery environments.

Essential experience

• Significant leadership experience within one or more of the Nuclear, Defence, Water or Power sectors.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering growth strategies that create measurable business outcomes.
• Experience of leading and winning major bids and frameworks within these sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen, with responsibility for business performance, profitability and revenue growth.
• Established network of senior industry contacts across…