Hybrid: Airport Civil Engineering Leader (Airfield & Terminal)

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

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in the United Kingdom seeks an Associate or Associate Director Civil Airport Engineer to lead complex airport infrastructure projects, including airfield, landside and terminal developments. You will shape strategy, manage client relationships, and drive delivery across major UK airports and international commissions.

The role offers hybrid working with a mix of office/site presence from London Nova, Epsom, or Manchester, and extensive leadership responsibilities across

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered status with ICE or an equivalent institution OR extensive industry experience with a proven track record of delivering value.
• Extensive professional experience in Airport or Highways pavement design, with strong understanding of material specifications and maintenance with an appreciation of principles and application of UK and international pavement design methods.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, and multi-disciplinary design teams on airfield infrastructure design projects from concept through to detailed design, delivering high‑quality outputs on time and within budget.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision‑making and managing risk.
• Solid understanding of commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of consultancy project delivery.
• A clear track record of successful business development, including leading bids, winning work, and growing client accounts.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced consultancy environment with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
• Willingness to travel periodically for short‑term project assignments.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport civil engineering projects, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long‑term client relationships and repeat business.
• Leading the development and delivery of airfield infrastructure projects, including pavement designs, materials specifications, maintenance plans, and condition assessments, translating complex technical data into practical, deliverable engineering solutions.
• Overseeing demand forecasting, capacity assessment, and data‑driven decision‑making, ensuring robust, defendable outputs.
• Taking overall responsibility for the quality, consistency, and timely delivery of technical reports, presentations, and client‑facing outputs.
• Chairing and leading senior design reviews, client workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders, and supporting market strategy.
• Contributing to the growth and direction of the airfield civil engineering discipline, including development of tools, guidance, training material, and innovation initiatives.
• Providing line management, mentorship, and career development support to senior and junior team members, building a strong succession pipeline.
• Actively engaging with and contributing to the global aviation and infrastructure network, sharing knowledge and best practice across regions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client relationship mgmt

Airfield pavement design

Project delivery

Business development

Mentorship

Travel readiness

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Chartered status (ICE or equivalent)

Job description

AtkinsRéalis in the United Kingdom seeks an Associate or Associate Director Civil Airport Engineer to lead complex airport infrastructure projects, including airfield, landside and terminal developments. You will shape strategy, manage client relationships, and drive delivery across major UK airports and international commissions.

The role offers hybrid working with a mix of office/site presence from London Nova, Epsom, or Manchester, and extensive leadership responsibilities across