Associate Director - Planning

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** Job Description**## Overview Shape the Future of Major Infrastructure Programmes.

Join AtkinsRéalis and play a leading role in delivering some of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes.

We are seeking an experienced Planning Leader to join our Complex Projects team as an Associate Director. This is an exciting opportunity to lead people, influence major client decisions, grow capability and help shape the future of our Planning and Project Controls practice.

You'll work across a diverse portfolio of major programmes spanning rail, water, energy, defence, aviation and transportation, collaborating with industry-leading professionals while helping our clients solve some of their biggest delivery challenges.

Whether your aspiration is to grow a high-performing team, drive innovation in project controls, strengthen client relationships or contribute to business growth, you'll have the platform and support to make a real impact.

Flexible and remote working are central to our culture, so talk to us about what matters most to you and how we can support your career ambitions both inside and outside of work.##

Your role
* As an Associate Director, you will provide strategic leadership across major infrastructure programmes while supporting the growth and development of our planning capability.
* Lead planning teams on complex infrastructure and capital delivery programmes.
* Establish, maintain and assure programme baselines that support contractual obligations and performance management.
* Provide strategic planning advice and challenge to clients, project teams and senior stakeholders.
* Build trusted relationships with client leadership teams and act as a recognised planning expert.
* Integrate schedule, cost and risk information to drive informed decision-making.
* Lead programme assurance activities including schedule reviews, critical path analysis and performance reporting.
* Develop advanced reporting and performance measurement frameworks, including Earned Value Management.
* Oversee contractor schedules, baseline management and schedule governance processes.
* Conduct delay analysis, scenario planning and recovery planning to support successful project outcomes.
* Champion best practice, innovation and continuous improvement within planning and project controls.
* Lead, mentor and develop high-performing planning professionals.
* Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development across the practice.
* Contribute to business development, work winning activities and the growth of AtkinsRéalis' Planning and Project Controls business.## About you
* We're interested in hearing from experienced Planning Leaders who combine technical excellence with strong leadership and client-facing skills.
* Degree qualification or equivalent relevant industry experience.
* Significant planning and project controls experience across major infrastructure projects or programmes.
* Experience leading planning teams in sectors such as rail, water, defence, energy, transportation, aviation or other complex infrastructure environments.
* Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6 and scheduling best practices.
* Experience integrating schedule, cost and risk information to support effective programme management.
* Strong understanding of NEC contracts and programme requirements.
* Experience developing and assuring complex project and programme schedules.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to engage confidently at senior levels.
* Experience managing, mentoring and developing planning professionals.
* A collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing people.
* The ability to influence decision-making and build trusted client…