Technical Director - Civil Structures

\n Overview\n

Shape the future of our cities and environments. The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Civil Engineering Structures Technical Director to join our team in the UK. We are looking for an energetic and experienced Civil Structures Engineer who can lead as a technical expert in the design of heavy civil structures and drive business results. AtkinsRéalis specialises in civil structures engineering within the Energy, Defence, and Nuclear Sectors in the UK and internationally, providing engineering solutions from feasibility to commissioning with client-side and construction-phase support. The role involves shaping and delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure across landmark projects in the Energy, Defence, and Nuclear sectors, and working with multidisciplinary teams to achieve measurable outcomes. The position requires UK-wide travel with hybrid working (3 days per week travel/office based) and can be based at Epsom, London, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle or Glasgow.

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As a key member of our technical leadership team, you will help set direction for complex, high-impact projects and initiatives, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions that move the business forward. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment with collaborative culture and opportunities to work on impactful projects.

Responsibilities\n

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• Provide technical leadership within the discipline for the national D&AT practice.
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• Influence D&AT practice-wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal processes and services.
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• Serve as the recognised expert and technical authority in civil structural engineering of nuclear-related structures across the D&AT practice and wider AtkinsRéalis business.
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• Provide visible representation of civil structural engineering expertise to current and prospective clients.
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• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including internal and external clients, operational staff and project teams.
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• Recommend and drive improvements to processes, services, and technical practices with robust engineering governance.
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• Oversee technical input into bid proposals, defining delivery strategy and working with cross-functional teams to prepare high-quality, compliant submissions.
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• Proactively identify opportunities for cross-selling and business growth, strengthening client relationships and communicating value propositions.
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• Grow, develop, and manage the Civil Structures engineering capability, particularly for nuclear energy and defence markets, supporting talent development and succession planning.
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• Anticipate emerging business, regulatory, and technology challenges, identifying risks and opportunities early and advising senior leadership.
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• Provide strategic oversight across multiple complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery, and alignment with objectives.
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• Work independently even in challenging situations and act as the point of escalation for the most complex technical matters.
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Qualifications / About you\n

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• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or equivalent; Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.
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• Extensive experience in progressively senior technical roles, including leadership of complex, high-risk, cross-disciplinary projects and programmes.
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• Nationally or internationally recognised subject matter expertise in the discipline(s).
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• Experience in the nuclear industry is essential, with proven nuclear-sector leadership in the analysis and design of nuclear safety-related civil engineering structures.
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• Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and challenges the status quo.
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• Comprehensive knowledge in design and analysis of heavy civil engineering structures (reinforced concrete and steel) across all design phases and construction.
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• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards, and industry best practices including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, British Standards, American Codes, etc.
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• Champion continuous improvement by driving enhancements to processes, services, technical standards, and innovation.
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• Commercially astute with experience shaping winning proposals and driving practice or business growth.
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• Strong communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly, persuade senior stakeholders, and navigate international delivery.
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• Proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider D&AT practice.
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Rewards & Benefits\n

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits you can tailor to support your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development, plus hybrid working and flexible holiday allowances to balance work and life.

About AtkinsRéalis\n

We are a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation that connects people, data and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems. We collaborate with industry partners and clients worldwide to engineer a better future, delivering end-to-end services across the asset lifecycle, including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital projects.

Additional information\n

Security clearance: This role may require security clearance. Recruitment is contingent on obtaining the relevant clearance level. If required, the process is conducted by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require UK residency of 5 years or longer. Do not reference current or prior security clearance in your application or CV. We value equal opportunities and support family-friendly, inclusive employment policies and flexible working arrangements.

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