Strategic Lead - Delivery (Defence)

Job Description

Overview

Shape how Defence delivers tomorrow.

AtkinsRéalis is helping to solve some of Defence’s most complex problems - supporting a safer tomorrow by empowering those who protect national and global security.

As Defence organisations face increasing pressure to deliver complex programmes with confidence, pace and agility, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence how major programmes are delivered while helping shape the future direction of our business.

We’re looking for a strategically minded delivery leader who enjoys building relationships, collaborating with senior stakeholders and turning insight into action. You’ll combine delivery expertise with commercial awareness and a passion for helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes.

You’ll spend most of your time engaging alongside Client Directors with senior Defence stakeholders, industry partners and client teams, understanding emerging priorities, identifying opportunities and shaping strategic discussions around programmes, portfolios, transformation and delivery partnerships.

You’ll bring those insights back into the business, influencing capability development, investment decisions and growth strategy to ensure we’re positioned to deliver what clients need next, not just what’s needed today.

In the first six months, success will mean opening 3-5 qualified leads and progressing 2-3 into solution development.

Why this role matters

This role sits at the intersection of client engagement, strategic growth and delivery excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to influence significant Defence outcomes; shape the services we provide and help develop the next generation of capability across our business.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we’re passionate about building teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Your role

Build trusted client relationships

• Engage with senior Defence leaders to understand evolving priorities, challenges and opportunities.
• Spot emerging demand and future opportunities before they reach procurement.
• Become a trusted adviser on complex delivery and transformation programmes.

Shape strategic conversations

• Bring deep delivery expertise to discussions around major programmes, portfolios and delivery partnerships.
• Help define capability development priorities across project delivery, programme leadership, portfolio integration and partner-led delivery.
• Encourage innovative thinking, share expertise and create value through collaboration.

Influence capability and growth

• Identify capability gaps, investment priorities and growth opportunities.
• Support the development of propositions, strategic bids and market plans.
• Help ensure our delivery capability stays aligned to Defence’s future needs.
• Provide technical leadership for client solution development, ensuring insight is shared clearly, understood and acted upon across the business.

About you

• Significant experience leading complex Defence programmes, portfolios or major delivery partnerships.
• Strong credibility with Defence clients, military stakeholders and industry leaders.
• A track record of combining delivery expertise with strategic and commercial thinking.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape outcomes without direct authority.
• Deep understanding of Defence priorities, organisations and operating environments.
• A natural curiosity about client challenges and emerging market trends.

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.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis_, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences. _

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