Aviation Technical Director

slihrms; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis’ Design & Advanced Technology Practice seeks an Aviation Technical Director to lead UK and international aviation projects, including major airport commissions, with a focus on design delivery, governance, and client engagement. Based in London or Epsom with hybrid working and UK-wide travel.

You will shape the aviation portfolio, develop teams of Airfield Planners and Airport Civil Engineers, drive opportunities, bids, and market expansion in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Job description

Job Description

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Aviation Technical Director to play a key role in the continued growth of our UK based Airports Team as well as UK and international aviation portfolio. This is a strategic leadership role for an individual who combines technical excellence in project delivery with a passion for client engagement, international work, and opportunity development.

The successful candidate will lead the design and delivery of complex aviation projects across the UK, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Dublin, and Manchester airports, while also working closely with our International Aviation Director and Market Directors to strengthen our presence in Europe, the Middle East, and other emerging regions. The candidate will play a key role in identifying, securing, and delivering high-profile local and international opportunities, and supporting the continued growth of our aviation portfolio.

In addition, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape and expand our established team of experienced Airfield Planners and Airport Civil Engineers, ensuring we are well-positioned to deliver a growing portfolio of global projects. A central focus will be on strengthening capability and capacity within the team while maintaining the high standards of technical excellence and delivery for which we are recognised.

This role is ideally suited to someone who is currently operating at Director level or who has a proven track record of project delivery technical assurance and work winning and is looking for greater involvement in business growth opportunities and leadership influence. It is a leadership position where your input will directly impact the direction of the business while also remaining involved in project delivery and shaping teams.

Being a Technical Director with us involves UK wide travel. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week travel/office based. This position is ideally based at either our London or Epsom office to support the existing team but can also be based at our Manchester office for the right candidate.

Your role

As an Aviation Technical Director, the successful candidate would have the following responsibilities:

• Project Leadership & Design Oversight

  Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport commissions, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.

  Lead and oversee the design delivery of major aviation projects from concept through to completion.

  Provide quality assurance and technical governance to ensure project delivery excellence.

  Act as a technical design authority, guiding teams while maintaining appropriate involvement in delivery.

  Balance hands-on engagement with strategic oversight, adapting involvement based on project needs.

• Team Leadership & Capability Growth

  Overseeing project demand forecasting, identifying team capability and capacity gaps, and capability development of existing teams, ensuring successful and consistent project delivery.

  Lead, mentor, and develop aviation design teams and building a strong succession pipeline.

  Support the growth and expansion of the team, including integration of established teams.

  Foster a collaborative, high-performing design culture.

  Overseeing the growth and direction of the airports team, recommending and driving improvements to processes, services, and technical practices while ensuring robust engineering governance is consistently upheld.

• Client Engagement & Relationship Management

  Build and maintain strong relationships with key aviation clients and stakeholders.

  Represent the business in senior-level meetings and project discussions.

  Play a visible leadership role in delivering client satisfaction and repeat business.

  Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long-term client relationships and repeat business.

• International Growth & Business Development

  Support the identification, pursuit, and securing of international aviation opportunities.

  Contribute to bids, proposals, and strategic positioning in new markets.

  Play a key role in taking projects from opportunity through to successful delivery.

  Support the growth of the aviation pipeline both in the domestic UK&I market and internationally.

  Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders, and supporting market strategy.

About you

The ideal candidate would be a well-rounded and versatile individual who exemplifies the following key skills and attributes:

Experience & Expertise

A relevant degree (or equivalent), with a postgraduate qualification in air transport or a related field desirable, and professional membership of a relevant institution.

Extensive professional experience in airport planning or airfield civil engineeri