Associate Director — Airport Civil Engineering Lead

AtkinsRéalis; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible holidays

Hybrid working model

Training & development

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Associate Director for Airport Civil Engineering to lead major airfield projects at UK airports and internationally. Based in London, Epsom, or Manchester, you will set technical direction, lead teams, and build long-term client partnerships while delivering high‑quality outputs on time and within budget.

You will shape strategy, develop tools and training, mentor staff, and contribute to growth across the aviation practice, with travel as needed and a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered status with a professional institution such as ICE.
• Extensive experience in airport or highways pavement design, with understanding of materials specifications and maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, multi-disciplinary design teams on airfield infrastructure projects from concept to detailed design.
• Proven ability to operate at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision-making and managing risk.
• Strong understanding of commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of consultancy delivery.
• Track record of successful business development, including bids, winning work, and growing client accounts.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced consultancy with accountability and ownership.
• Willingness to travel periodically for short-term project assignments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport civil engineering projects, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
• Advise airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long-term client relationships and repeat business.
• Lead development and delivery of airfield infrastructure projects, including pavement designs, materials specs, maintenance plans, and condition assessments.
• Oversee demand forecasting, capacity assessment, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure quality and timely delivery of technical reports, presentations, and client outputs.
• Chair senior design reviews, client workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Lead bids and tenders, shaping opportunity pipelines and market strategy.
• Develop tools, guidance, training material, and innovation within the airfield civil engineering discipline.
• Provide mentorship and career development for team members and build succession pipelines.
• Engage with the global aviation network to share knowledge and best practice.

Skills

Pavement design experience

Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams

Senior client/stakeholder leadership

Business development / bids

Commercial/financial awareness

Willingness to travel

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Chartered status with ICE

Job description

AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Associate Director for Airport Civil Engineering to lead major airfield projects at UK airports and internationally. Based in London, Epsom, or Manchester, you will set technical direction, lead teams, and build long-term client partnerships while delivering high‑quality outputs on time and within budget.

You will shape strategy, develop tools and training, mentor staff, and contribute to growth across the aviation practice, with travel as needed and a strong focus on