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AtkinsRéalis

Technical Director - Aviation

GB.Epsom.Woodcote Grove · GB.London.Nova North · GB.Manchester.Piccadilly

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hirly's read of this role

Seniority
Director
Country
GB
Work mode
On-site / unstated
First seen by hirly
22 Oct 2026

Derived automatically from the posting. Upload your resume above to see how the role scores against it.

the posting

Job Description

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Technical Director to lead our growing Airport Planning and Airfield Civil Engineering team in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our aviation business whilst working at the heart of some of the most important airport programmes in the UK and Ireland, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Dublin airports.

As our aviation market continues to grow, we're seeking an experienced leader who can combine technical excellence with strong client relationships, strategic thinking and a passion for developing people. You'll help define our future direction in the aviation sector, working closely with airport operators to tackle some of their biggest challenges around capacity, operational resilience, sustainability, asset management and long-term growth.

This role offers the opportunity to influence nationally significant infrastructure programmes, lead a talented and expanding team, and play a key role in growing a market-leading aviation capability.

Why Join Us?

  • Lead and grow a thriving aviation team within a respected global consultancy.
  • Work on projects that will shape the future of some of the UK and Ireland's most important airports.
  • Influence nationally significant programmes that improve connectivity, capacity and passenger experience.
  • Collaborate with some of the industry's leading aviation specialists across planning, engineering and programme delivery.
  • Enjoy the freedom to help define the direction of our aviation business and build a team around your vision.
  • Support and develop the next generation of aviation professionals while advancing your own leadership career.

Being a Technical Director with us involves UK wide travel. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week travel/office based. This position can be based at our offices of Epsom, London, or Manchester.

Your Role

As an Aviation Technical Director, the successful candidate would have the following responsibilities:

  • Lead and grow our Airport Planning and Airfield Civil Engineering team, setting direction, developing capability and creating an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with airport operators and key aviation stakeholders, becoming a trusted advisor on complex infrastructure challenges.
  • Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of airport projects, ensuring high-quality, deliverable and innovative solutions.
  • Guide the development of airport planning, airside, landside and civil engineering designs from concept through to delivery.
  • Help shape the future of major airports by supporting programmes focused on expansion, operational efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across engineering, environmental, digital and programme management disciplines to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
  • Identify and secure new opportunities, helping to grow our aviation business and strengthen our position within the sector.
  • Mentor and support the development of future leaders and technical specialists within the team.
  • Represent the business externally through client engagement, industry forums and professional institutions.

About You

The ideal candidate would be a well-rounded and versatile individual who exemplifies the following key skills and attributes:

  • Degree qualified in Airport Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Aviation Management or a related discipline, with membership of a relevant professional institution.
  • Proven track record of leading major airport development programmes, from strategic planning and feasibility through to business case development and implementation.
  • Strong understanding of airport planning, airfield design and civil engineering within an operational airport environment.
  • A strong network within the aviation sector, with a proven ability to build trusted client relationships, secure new opportunities and grow strategic accounts.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating planning, engineering, operational, environmental and programme delivery disciplines to develop integrated airport solutions.
  • Commercial awareness and the ability to balance technical, client and business priorities.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication and leadership skills, with experience influencing senior airport executives, airlines, regulators, government bodies and industry partners.
  • Recognised as a credible aviation leader with the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and technical levels.

Meet some but not all of the criteria? We’d still love to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter letting us know your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills and experience align with the role.

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.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

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.

#DAT #TechDirec

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

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.

Original posting on AtkinsRéalis's site ↗

Listed on hirly, a job board. hirly is not the employer: AtkinsRéalis is hiring for this role.

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