Local Transport Account Lead

-; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy is seeking an Associate Director in Local Transportation. You will lead client relationships and diverse projects, contributing to market growth and strategic leadership. The ideal candidate will have a degree in civil engineering or a related field, alongside experience in delivering infrastructure projects. Join a collaborative team striving for a sustainable future within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for career growth

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive culture prioritizing diversity

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering infrastructure projects across the full lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in both public and private sector environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead diverse projects and client relationships in Local Transport sector.
• Support business development and account growth.
• Balance strategic leadership with active project delivery.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Degree in civil engineering, project management, or related discipline

Chartered or working towards chartership with APM, RICS, ICE

Job description

Overview

Welcome to AtkinsRéalis, Project and Programme Services. Join us as we shape the future of Local Transport across the UK. You will be part of a collaborative team delivering infrastructure that connects communities and drives regional growth, with opportunities for training and progression.

Join our Complex Infrastructure team and advance your professional career on exciting construction projects, applying your business acumen in an organisation with a track record of growth. We work with long-term contracts across the infrastructure sector, including HS2, Network Rail, National Highways, Combined Authorities, energy, defence, airports and utility companies.

Our growth is built on excellent service and our people. We are seeking an Associate Director in our Local Transportation team, which is expanding in this sector. You will be part of a multi award-winning business that maintains high standards and rewards, supported by global Project and Programme Management capabilities.

As an Associate Director, you will lead diverse projects and client relationships in the Local Transport sector, working within complex infrastructure and reporting to the Client Director. You will be empowered to develop business strategy to deliver exceptional services for repeat clients while pursuing new opportunities.

Your Purpose

Strategic Leadership & Market Growth

• Support the Client Director for Local Transport, alongside the wider Transportation team, in driving leadership, business development, and account growth through our "Win-Work" strategy.
• Expand our regional market share in Local Transport by building trusted relationships with existing and prospective clients, understanding evolving needs, and shaping value-adding solutions.
• Maintain a strong understanding of regional and national transport policy, funding mechanisms, and investment priorities to inform client conversations and strategic pursuits.
• Foster long-term client relationships to support repeat business and contribute to growth aspirations in Local Transport.

Project & Programme Delivery

• Balance strategic leadership with active project delivery, maintaining a strong presence in billable work to support client outcomes and team performance.
• Act as project lead or Project Director on a diverse portfolio of local transport projects, ensuring delivery excellence and high client satisfaction.
• Oversee project budgets and financial performance to meet and exceed commercial targets.
• Provide technical oversight, including preparation, review, and quality assurance of deliverables.
• Advise clients on cost, programme, risk, and delivery strategy, acting as a trusted advisor.

Collaboration & Innovation

• Collaborate across the Transportation team and wider business to align with AtkinsRéalis' strategic objectives and foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Stay alert to emerging technologies in transport, working with subject matter experts to deliver cutting-edge thinking and solutions.
• Team Leadership & Business Development: Lead multi-disciplinary teams, promote collaboration and professional development, and take ownership of bid preparation and bid proposals to secure opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships with clear communication and shared success.
• Champion performance improvement, challenge the status quo, and drive excellence in dynamic environments.

What can you bring

• A degree in civil engineering, project management, quantity surveying or a related transportation discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Chartered or working towards chartership with APM, RICS, ICE, or similar.
• Proven experience delivering infrastructure projects/programmes across the full lifecycle, particularly in Local Transport and Highways.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong experience in business development, including identifying opportunities, shaping value propositions, and leading bid writing and management.
• Familiarity with best-practice project and programme delivery methodologies, adaptable to client needs.
• Experience in both public and private sector environments with understanding of local government structures and procurement processes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong client focus with ability to listen and respond to client needs with tailored, value-driven solutions.
• Awareness of how local transport integrates with housing, placemaking, sustainability, and economic development.
• Commercially astute with a track record of managing budgets, driving margin growth, and delivering value for clients.
• A passion for shaping sustainable transport and critical infrastructure that improves lives and strengthens communities.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

Looking for a place to engineer a better future? AtkinsRéalis offers a digital-enabled approach that transforms outcomes for people and the environment. You’ll have a range of projects, opportunities for career growth, more responsibility, acclaimed training programmes, and flexible working within an inclusive culture that prioritises diversity, health and happiness.

Join our Project & Programme Services team to expand your career on high-profile projects—from Sizewell C to innovative local projects—and gain exposure to international expertise as well as opportunities in local niche areas. We are committed to delivering a Net Zero Carbon future and regenerating cities across the UK.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will depend on obtaining the relevant clearance level. If required, the vetting process is conducted by UKSV and may require 5 years or more of UK residence. Do not reference or state security clearance details in your application or CV.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We offer family-friendly, inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.

#LI-UK#LI-ATKINS #PPSProContr

Worker Type
Employee

Job Type
Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We believe world-class talent benefits from diversity.