Associate Director - Airport Planning

Job Description

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting airport projects? How about joining our talented Airport Engineering Team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' challenges head-on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions. We are seeking an experienced Associate Director - Airport Planning to provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and commercial oversight within our internationally respected Airport Planning team. This role is suited to a senior practitioner with a strong industry profile, proven leadership capability, and the ambition to shape the future growth of a leading aviation consultancy.

Based in the South East of England (London and Epsom Surrey), our Airport team is founded on deep technical expertise, operational understanding, and a collaborative, solutions-focused culture. We are well established across all major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, and continue to expand our international portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

As an Associate Director, you will play a key role in setting direction for airport planning capability, leading major commissions, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the long-term development of people, tools, and services within the practice.

Your Role

At Associate Director level, you will have accountability for technical excellence, client leadership, and commercial performance, alongside line management and mentorship responsibilities.

• Providing strategic leadership on complex UK and international airport planning commissions, acting as Project Director or Technical Lead as appropriate.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to airport operators, regulators, and stakeholders, building long-term client relationships and repeat business.
• Leading the development and delivery of airport masterplans and strategic planning studies, including airfield, terminal, apron, surface access, and landside development.
• Overseeing demand forecasting, capacity assessment, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring robust, defendable outputs.
• Taking overall responsibility for the quality, consistency, and timely delivery of technical reports, presentations, and client-facing outputs.
• Chairing and leading senior design reviews, client workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Playing a central role in work winning and business development, including shaping opportunity pipelines, leading bids and tenders, and supporting market strategy.
• Contributing to the growth and direction of the airport planning discipline, including development of tools, guidance, training material, and innovation initiatives.
• Providing line management, mentorship, and career development support to senior and junior team members, building a strong succession pipeline.
• Actively engaging with and contributing to the global aviation and infrastructure network, sharing knowledge and best practice across regions.

About you

• Extensive professional experience in airport planning and development, with strong understanding of airfield planning, terminal planning, surface access, and facilities planning.
• In-depth knowledge of CAA, EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards, and their application to real-world airport environments.
• A relevant degree (or equivalent), with a postgraduate qualification in air transport or a related field desirable, and professional membership of a relevant institution.
• Strong understanding of airport stragety, operational interfaces, and development drivers, including passenger and baggage flows, retail and commercial planning, and surface access integration.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, multi-disciplinary projects, delivering high-quality outputs on time and within budget.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at senior client and stakeholder level, influencing decision-making and managing risk.
• Solid understanding of commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of consultancy project delivery.
• A clear track record of successful business development, including leading bids, winning work, and growing client accounts.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced consultancy environment with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
• Willingness to travel periodically for short-term project assignments.

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.

#DAT

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.