Practice Director (Engineering Management)

Job description

Your role

• Lead a team of Railway Engineering Managers, technical investigators, and electrical systems consultants.
• Define and deliver the vision and strategy for Engineering Management across the rail lifecycle.
• Ensure the Railway Systems lifecycle from early feasibility/development through to detailed design is clearly understood/aligned with wider business deliverables and is working, in harmony, with the other sections (e.g. Design, Construction and Assurance & Verification) of the Engineering Systems Practice.
• Inspire and act as a role model to all staff, fostering a truly collaborative environment, where the entire Practice team learn and develop together in order to drive increased business results.
• Build and develop a high‑performing, multi‑skilled team, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Ensure rigorous governance and quality across all projects – from consultancy assignments to complex multi‑disciplinary programmes.
• Drive workforce planning, recruitment, and succession strategies aligned to business growth.
• Champion innovation and efficiency in project delivery, while managing technical risk.
• Represent AtkinsRéalis in client engagements, project reviews, and industry forums.
• Develop annual plans and budgets for the Engineering Management element of the Engineering Systems Practice and deliver against them.
• Lead and promote new and innovative approaches to Railway Systems project delivery to further improve efficiency and profitability, whilst maintaining or improving management of technical risk.

About you

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with proven leadership experience.
• Strong track record in Engineering Management within the rail industry.
• Experience of the rail industry is essential and with strong delivery background in at least one of the Rail Systems disciplines.
• Ability to lead large teams and deliver transformational change.
• Strategic thinker with excellent relationship‑building skills and credibility in the sector.
• Knowledge of lean principles and modern delivery practices is highly desirable.
• Experience of implementing transformational change based on lean or similar principals in a design or construction environment would be highly desirable.