Chief Tunnelling & Underground Space Leader

AtkinsRéalis

Birmingham

Hybrid

GBP 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

14 days+
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Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a senior Head of Tunnelling & Underground Space to lead a world-class practice and shape future infrastructure delivery. The role is hybrid, based in one of our major UK hubs including Birmingham, with responsibility for strategic direction, technical excellence, and high-performing teams across transportation, water, and urban projects.

The successful candidate will drive business growth, lead cross-location teams, and strengthen client relationships while advancing

Qualifications

  • Degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering or related discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer with ICE/IStructE or equivalent.
  • Extensive tunnelling/underground project delivery experience.
  • Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites.
  • Strong commercial acumen with BD and client engagement experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK/international standards and safety.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for the tunnelling and underground space practice.
  • Drive technical excellence, innovation, quality, safety, and design assurance across major projects.
  • Lead, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations.
  • Build strong client relationships and secure major commissions in target markets.
  • Support business planning, revenue growth, profitability, and resource development.
  • Represent the business externally at senior client meetings, industry forums, conferences, and professional networks.
  • Champion digital engineering, sustainability, carbon reduction, and emerging tunnelling technologies.
  • Develop future leaders and maintain a strong culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership
Stakeholder management
Communication
Mentoring
Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural
Chartered Engineer (ICE/IStructE)

Tools

BIM
CAD

Job description

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a senior Head of Tunnelling & Underground Space to lead a world-class practice and shape future infrastructure delivery. The role is hybrid, based in one of our major UK hubs including Birmingham, with responsibility for strategic direction, technical excellence, and high-performing teams across transportation, water, and urban projects.

The successful candidate will drive business growth, lead cross-location teams, and strengthen client relationships while advancing

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