Associate Director - Overhead Line Design and Engineering

Overview

Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation, connecting people, data and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems. Within our Power Energy Systems (PES) Practice, the Transmission & Distribution team delivers innovative, sustainable solutions across the UK and internationally.

We are seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Overhead Lines to shape and lead our OHL capability and portfolio. You will provide strategic direction, technical governance and commercial leadership, ensuring that our work is safe, assured, profitable and aligned with client and market priorities.

As a senior leader within the Power Energy Systems Practice, you will oversee complex multidisciplinary delivery, develop high-performing teams, strengthen strategic client relationships and convert market opportunities into sustainable growth. Your recognised expertise in overhead line engineering and PLS-CADD will underpin—not define—your broader leadership remit.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients' toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world-class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration is not a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we are here to support you with whatever you need.

We offer hybrid working, which involves travel and office-based working three days per week. This position can be based at any of our key locations: Epsom, London, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, or Glasgow. Other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Your role

• As Associate Director – Overhead Lines, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, performance and technical integrity of our OHL portfolio. You will balance client, commercial and delivery priorities; provide visible leadership across bids and projects; and ensure that decisions align with AtkinsRéalis governance, industry standards and our commitments to safety, quality and sustainability.
• You will act as the recognised authority for PLS-CADD, setting expectations for its application while empowering technical leads and project teams to deliver consistently. You will also represent AtkinsRéalis with senior clients and industry stakeholders, helping to shape investment priorities, standards and future capability.
• Key Accountabilities
• Strategy and portfolio leadership: Contribute to the OHL strategy, market positioning, investment priorities and delivery plan, translating business objectives into a sustainable pipeline and a resilient, scalable capability.
• Commercial and operational performance: Lead portfolio performance across safety, quality, programme, cost, margin, forecasting, resourcing and risk, intervening where necessary to protect client outcomes and business performance.
• Technical governance and assurance: Provide senior oversight of complex OHL design, endorse significant technical decisions and ensure proportionate assurance, compliance and escalation across projects. Act as the recognised authority for PLS-CADD and promote consistent best practice, innovation and lessons learned.
• Clients and markets: Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, understand their strategic priorities and represent AtkinsRéalis across the sector. Lead strategic pursuits and bid governance, develop compelling propositions and identify opportunities for cross-selling and growth.
• People and capability: Lead, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams, setting clear expectations and fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture. Own capability planning, succession, recruitment, mentoring and targeted development, including PLS-CADD training and technical knowledge sharing. Industry leadership: Strengthen the external profile of AtkinsRéalis through professional networks, technical forums, standards development and thought leadership, bringing market insight back into the practice.

About You

• You will be an established senior leader with a strong record of directing complex OHL portfolios, leading technical and commercial decisions, and building trusted relationships at executive level.
• You will combine engineering credibility with commercial judgement, organisational leadership and the ability to create sustainable growth in a demanding market.
• Degree qualified in Civil, Structural or a related engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status. Substantial senior leadership experience in overhead line and transmission engineering, including responsibility for complex FEED and/or detailed design portfolios from 33 kV to 400 kV.
• Advanced knowledge of PLS-CADD and associated applications such as PLS-Tower, supported by broad expertise in UK power-sector standards, regulation, safety, environmental compliance and engineering governance.
• Proven accountability for portfolio delivery, technical assurance, commercial performance, resource planning, risk management and resolution of complex engineering challenges.
• A strong record of developing senior client relationships, leading strategic bids and converting market insight into profitable, sustainable growth.
• Demonstrable people leadership, including building multidisciplinary teams, developing talent, succession planning and creating an inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Excellent judgement, communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage executives, clients, delivery partners and industry bodies. BP141/TP141 and National Grid LCDAE/CDAE status are desirable, as is experience of the Principal Designer role under CDM 2015. Flexibility to travel to client and project locations is required.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

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.