Job Description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s leading multi-disciplinary consultancy firms offering unparalleled opportunities for talented individuals in search of a rewarding career. At AtkinsRéalis we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the environment. We have a strong Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ethos.

You’ll join one of the UK’s leading planning consultancies at the forefront of thought leadership in sustainable infrastructure and development, from Net Zero to ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation. We care about outcomes for our clients and the unprecedented challenges they face including climate change, social inclusion and rapid urbanisation. The work we do is important and influential: it shapes the way our clients think, enables them to make better decisions and to deliver their projects in a world of disruption and change.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Planning to play a pivotal leadership role within our national Planning and Environmental Consulting business.

Our Planning team operates across the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and London, working as a highly collaborative and integrated national capability.

This is a strategic leadership position focused on:

• Growing and shaping our national planning offer.
• Leading high-performing teams for our clients and providing technical and delivery excellence.
• Driving business growth, client relationships, and market positioning.
• Influencing industry thinking on planning reform and infrastructure delivery.

You will work closely with senior leaders across PECC, Environment and Growth Markets to:

• Strengthen our market presence.
• Expand our pipeline of major projects.
• Enhance collaboration across business lines.
• Position AtkinsRéalis as a market leader in planning and consenting.
• Provide Technical Excellence to our clients.
• Support in developing our talent.

Your role

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership to the Planning practice across the UK.
• Support the development and delivery of the Planning business strategy and growth plan.
• Lead, inspire and develop teams across regions, ensuring excellence in performance and culture.

Business Growth

• Drive work winning and business development, securing major infrastructure and development projects.
• Identify and capitalise on emerging market opportunities (e.g. energy, water, transport, housing, net zero).
• Build and maintain a strong external profile to enhance market positioning.

Client & Project Delivery

• Act as lead director on key client accounts and flagship projects.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality planning advice across complex, multidisciplinary commissions.
• Oversee commercial performance, governance, and risk management.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across Planning, Environment, Engineering and Design teams.
• Foster a one-team culture to maximise cross-selling and integrated delivery.
• Contribute to wider AtkinsRéalis thought leadership and innovation.

People & Culture

• Lead and mentor senior and junior staff, supporting career development and succession planning.
• Promote a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Support recruitment and retention of top talent.

About you

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited).
• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Extensive experience in consultancy, including leading high-performing teams.
• Strong track record of winning and delivering major infrastructure and development projects.
• Deep understanding of UK planning systems, policy and consenting regimes (including DCO experience where relevant).
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing complex projects and client relationships.
• Established professional network and recognised industry profile.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

#LI-INFRASTRUCTURE | #LI-UK #EnviroJobs #PECCJobs

Worker Type

Job Type

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.