Associate Director - Planning

AtkinsRéalis; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible holiday allowances

Training & development

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Planning Leader for complex projects, driving planning, baselines, and schedule governance across transport, energy and infrastructure initiatives.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor talent, ensure NEC contract alignment, and deliver EV milestones, with a flexible hybrid working culture and emphasis on professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Project Management, Engineering or Construction Management.
• Proven planning leadership in transport, energy, defence, water or rail.
• Strong people management with mentoring experience.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical use.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and manage baselines aligned with contractual and performance metrics.
• Lead planning across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Facilitate workshops and reviews driving accountability.
• Ensure schedule compliance with NEC obligations.
• Deliver advanced reporting including Earned Value Management.
• Integrate schedule, cost and risk for strategic insights.
• Conduct critical path analysis and scenario planning.
• Apply delay analysis and assure contractor schedule integrity.

Skills

Planning leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring teams

Analytical thinking

Education

Project Management degree

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Overview

Step into a pivotal role within our Complex Projects team at AtkinsRéalis, where you'll help shape some of the world's most iconic infrastructure and energy projects. From cutting-edge transport systems to sustainable urban regeneration, your leadership will drive progress and inspire excellence.

We're not just building projects—we're engineering a better future. That means fostering a truly collaborative culture where every voice is valued, every contribution recognized, and every talent nurtured. If you're ready to lead with empathy, manage with clarity, and elevate those around you—this is your platform.

We champion flexible and remote working. Whether you're looking to reduce your working week, buy additional leave, or pursue passions outside of work, we'll support your ambitions and make reasonable adjustments to help you thrive.

Your role

• Develop, maintain, and manage robust baselines aligned with contractual and performance metrics.
• Lead the planning function across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Facilitate workshops and performance reviews that challenge assumptions and drive accountability.
• Ensure schedule compliance with contract obligations, particularly under NEC frameworks.
• Deliver advanced reporting outputs including Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Integrate schedule, cost, and risk to provide strategic insights and decision support.
• Conduct critical path analysis and scenario planning to mitigate risks and enhance delivery.
• Apply expert-level delay analysis techniques and assure contractor schedule integrity.

About you

• A degree in Project Management, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Demonstrated success as a planning leader in sectors such as transport, energy, defence, water, or rail.
• Strong people management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical application in complex environments.
• Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Analytical acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative mindset.
• Advanced understanding of project management methodologies and industry best practices.

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.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

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.