Overview
Reporting to the Engineering Systems Practice Director, the Practice Director (Rail Systems Design) will be responsible for the leadership of a team of approximately 200 Railway Systems designers and design support staff from our core disciplines of Signalling, Telecommunications, M&E, OLE and Track (PWay). Excellence in this role will be achieved by driving technical and delivery performance, with a strong focus on quality, developing key supply chain strategies and ensuring that the best possible products and services are provided to our internal and external clients. The Rail Systems Design Practice output will be achieved through developing and managing a balanced team of designers/engineers/support staff sized in accordance with the Complex Projects business pipeline and delivery strategy, with capability and competency in current and emerging systems, technologies and processes.
The Rail Systems team (within our Complex Projects business) has circa 550 staff and a ~£100m per annum turnover; we are a major provider to Network Rail on many of its major signalling schemes/frameworks, and have developing relationships with Translink (NI Railways), Iarnród Éireann (Irish Railways), Transport For London, several major UK contractors and an expanding network supporting the wider Atkins Réalis global rail systems market. In addition, the team extends to aviation, tunnels and highways, offering specialist consultancy, design and delivery services.
Your Role
* This is a key leadership role within the Engineering Systems Practice.
* Drive the vision and strategy of the Railway Systems design elements of the Practice, providing value and excellent customer experience for all clients across the UK&I rail markets and beyond.
* Ensure the Railway Systems design lifecycle from early feasibility and development through to detailed design is aligned with wider business deliverables and works in harmony with Engineering Management, Construction, Assurance & Verification, civil engineering and project delivery teams.
* Build a top‑performing rail systems design delivery team, through staff development at all levels and emphasis on multi‑skilling across the practice and the wider business.
* Inspire and model a collaborative culture where the entire Rail Systems Design Practice learns and develops together to drive business results.
* Ensure that smaller projects are adequately resourced and performing well, balancing major project commitments in Network Rail Control Period 7 and beyond with internal client needs.
* Lead workforce planning, working with Programme, Project and Engineering Directors to identify current and future design resourcing requirements and skill needs.
* Work with strategic supply‑chain partners to deliver workload peaks while optimizing productivity during downturns.
* Interface with the Global Technology Centre’s equivalent Rail Systems Design Practices, providing regular updates on UK market demand to support annual budgeting.
About You
* Active in the leadership of the Engineering Systems Practice, jointly setting overall strategy.
* Visible across Atkins Réalis Complex Projects and the Rail Systems sector, championing cultural values and technical delivery.
* Represent the Design Practice and wider rail business in client engagements, project reviews and investigations.
* Collaborate across UK&I businesses, Complex Projects, and rail & transportation clients.
* Drive adoption of consistent processes, tools and delivery methodologies.
* Develop annual plans and budgets for the Rail Systems design element and deliver against them.
* Recruitment, professional development, succession planning to align with future market needs.
* Lead innovative approaches to Railway Systems project delivery, improving efficiency and profitability.
* Act as Bid / Project Technical Reviewer and participate in governance activities.
* Support compliance with the technical assurance framework through regular reviews.
* Appoint Discipline Technical Authorities overseeing competency and quality management.
* Chartered Engineer or equivalent.
* Experience leading large teams, operationally and through project management.
* Experience with contractor design management.
* Strong track record in at least one Rail Systems design discipline.
* Experience in transformational change based on lean or similar principles.
* Ability to mobilise and motivate a large, professional engineering design team.
* Strong relationship building and strategic thinking.
Reward & Benefits
Competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits tailored to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development, hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances.
About Atkins Réalis
Atkins Réalis is a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems.
Additional Information
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups.
Security clearance may be required. Offers are dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of 5 years or longer. Do not mention any current or previous security clearance in your application or CV.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
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