Overview
Shape the future of rail systems engineering.
AtkinsRéalis is seeking a dynamic Practice Director (Engineering Management) to lead our Engineering Management Practice within the Rail Systems team. This is a pivotal leadership role, driving technical excellence, delivery performance, and innovation across major UK and international rail projects.
Location: UK (Any of our UK AtkinsRéalis Complex Projects offices)
Business: AtkinsRéalis – Complex Projects
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.
To apply, please upload your CV and cover sheet explaining your interest in the role.
The closing date for this role is the 5th of December 2025
Reward & 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.
I