Associate Director Civil/Structural – Transmission and Distribution / Substations

Overview Let's secure the future of energy.

The Power Energy Systems (PES) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Associate Director specialising in Civil/Structural design and engineering to join our UK team. We are looking for an experienced technical leader with deep expertise in substation and/or overhead line (OHL) civil and structural design who can provide robust technical assurance, lead complex multidisciplinary delivery, support strategic growth, and build trusted relationships with clients and industry partners.

AtkinsRéalis specialises in all aspects of Transmission and Distribution engineering within the UK and internationally. We provide industry-leading engineering solutions across the project lifecycle, from feasibility, optioneering and front-end design through to detailed design and construction support. Our teams deliver work across the Transmission and Distribution sector, including substations, overhead lines, underground and subsea cable systems, offshore wind, solar, BESS and HVDC interconnectors.

By providing technical leadership across the organisation, you will help shape the direction of our civil and structural capability, contribute to practice strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, compliant and commercially successful outcomes. In this role, you will provide oversight for complex, high-impact projects and initiatives, anticipate business, regulatory and technology changes, and develop innovative solutions and services that strengthen our market position.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients' toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world-class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration is not a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we are here to support you with whatever you need.

We offer hybrid working, which involves travel and office-based working three days per week. This position can be based at any of our key locations: Epsom, London, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, or Glasgow. Other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Your role

As an Associate Director, you will provide senior technical leadership and engineering management across civil and structural design within the Transmission and Distribution sector. You will lead and assure complex design delivery, develop people and capability, support client engagement and growth, and ensure that work is delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with AtkinsRéalis governance, client requirements and relevant industry standards.

• Provide technical leadership and design assurance for civil and structural engineering across transmission, distribution, offshore wind, interconnector and major infrastructure projects.
• Act as a recognised specialist and technical authority in civil and structural engineering for power and T&D-related infrastructure across the PES Practice and wider AtkinsRéalis business.
• Lead functional teams and technical initiatives with significant resource requirements, risk and complexity, ensuring clear accountability, quality and delivery performance.
• Build strong and trusted client relationships, working collaboratively with clients, delivery partners and internal stakeholders to understand requirements, resolve challenges and deliver value.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including internal and external clients, operational teams, project teams, suppliers and industry partners.
• Recommend and drive improvements to processes, services and technical practices while ensuring robust engineering governance is consistently upheld.
• Oversee technical input into bid proposals, define the civil and structural delivery strategy, and work with cross-functional teams to prepare high-quality, compliant and competitive submissions.
• Proactively identify opportunities for cross-selling and business growth, using commercial insight to strengthen and expand client relationships and articulate AtkinsRéalis' value proposition.
• Grow, develop and manage the civil and structural engineering team and capability, particularly within the UK T&D sector, supporting talent development, succession planning and technical competence.
• Anticipate emerging business, regulatory and technology challenges, identifying risks and opportunities early and advising senior leadership on appropriate responses.
• Provide oversight across multiple complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery, commercial discipline and alignment with client and practice objectives.
• Work independently in complex and challenging situations, exercising sound judgement and escalating only where appropriate.

About you

You will have a proven track record of leading the delivery and assurance of complex civil and structural designs and drawings in accordance with applicable engineering codes, standards and client requirements. You will be comfortable working in evolving and technically challenging environments, bringing the judgement, credibility and leadership required to influence stakeholders, support strategic growth and contribute to the success of the business.

Key skills and attributes include the following:

• Degree qualified, preferably with a Master's degree (MEng/MSc) in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status and membership of ICE or IStructE is mandatory.
• Proven experience leading teams in the delivery of front-end engineering design and/or detailed design for EHV substation or OHL projects, typically within the 33 kV to 400 kV range.
• Experience discharging Principal Designer duties in accordance with CDM 2015 is desirable but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, safety standards, environmental compliance and engineering governance in the UK power sector.
• Strong technical background in steel and/or reinforced concrete design, including use of industry-recognised analysis and design software and relevant UK and international codes and standards.
• Ability to assure technically compliant design deliverables against client, project and input requirements, and to identify, resolve and communicate design risks and issues.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and innovation skills, with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement to complex challenges.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and organisational skills, with the ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and negotiate effectively with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to deliver results within agreed scope, budget and programme requirements.
• BP141 / TP141 qualification or equivalent is desirable, or the knowledge and experience to work towards this.
• Current or previous experience as a National Grid LCDAE or CDAE is desirable, or the knowledge and experience to progress towards this.
• Experience maintaining existing client relationships and developing new opportunities through high-quality technical delivery and trusted advisory support.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing junior engineers and designers, including supporting technical competence and professional development.
• Flexibility to travel to client sites when required.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, manage competing priorities and maintain delivery focus in complex project environments.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

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 development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

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