What is senior project management: responsibilities and advancement opportunities
What are the core responsibilities of a senior project manager?
Senior project managers oversee and lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of complex projects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives while managing resources, timelines, and budgets.
At AtkinsRéalis, we are looking for project management professionals to lead the attainment of our goals; satisfied clients and great outcomes.
Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a wide-ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of your abilities and talents. Here are some key responsibilities you can expect in this role:
- Provide high-quality project and programme management standards across the whole project lifecycle.
- Advise clients on the project cost, programme, risks and issues.
- Lead and manage multi-disciplinary professional teams.
- Lead communications and relationships with clients and their stakeholders.
- Produce monthly reports including project programmes, risk registers etc.
- Implement effective and efficient communication tools.
- Develop delivery plans for projects, involve others and ensure objectives are met.
- Challenge the status quo and perform to a high standard in changing environments.
- Constantly pursue performance improvement.
What makes a good senior project manager?
Good senior project managers are equipped with soft and hard skills which enable them to navigate through projects and address challenges with ease:
- A recognised project management qualification with APM, RICS, or similar - ensures a solid foundation in best practices, methodologies, and ethical standards, which are essential for effective project management. We also value technical engineering backgrounds so if you don’t have a project management qualification, do not hesitate to apply. We can support you in achieving these qualifications and advancing your career further.
- Leadership skills - it would be beneficial to have had experience in leading and managing a multi-disciplinary team and possessing the ability to guide your team towards achieving a common goal
- Knowledge and application of best practices in project management methodologies to ensure successful project delivery and meet client expectations.
- Knowledge of pre and post-contract project management responsibilities.
- Ability to manage a project throughout its lifecycle - ensuring that projects stay on track, meet objectives, and are completed within specified timelines and budgets.
How to progress into senior project management
Transitioning into senior project management often involves a strategic career shift from a technical or engineering role.
At AtkinsRéalis, we recognise and support this attractive career path by fostering opportunities for professionals to pivot into project management roles.
Making this transition involves acquiring specialised project management qualifications, such as those from APM or RICS while leveraging existing technical expertise.
We provide a supportive environment, offering mentorship, training, and growth opportunities to facilitate this career progression so you can smoothly transition into senior project management roles.
Senior project management best practices
Senior project managers work on complex projects that have various moving parts that need to be monitored, managed, and successfully completed. Here are some advanced best practices so you can keep things running smoothly:
Incorporating project interdependencies into planning
Interdependencies are where a task won’t be possible without the completion of other tasks. Understanding task interdependencies can eliminate wasting time and resources and ensure your team have the things they need to complete the project.
Managing scope creep
This refers to uncontrolled expansion or changes in a project's scope without corresponding adjustments to time, budget, or resources. It often occurs due to evolving requirements, unclear objectives, or inadequate stakeholder management.
To manage scope creep effectively, project managers must establish robust change control processes. Implementing a formal change request system where all adjustments undergo evaluation and approval is essential to mitigate scope creep.
Additionally, maintaining a proactive stance by continuously monitoring project scope and addressing deviations promptly ensures better control over potential scope changes and their impacts on project outcomes.
Corrective action procedures
These are systematic steps taken to rectify deviations from project plans or anticipated outcomes. Corrective action procedures entail identifying the root cause of issues, analyzing their impacts on project deliverables, and developing strategies to address them effectively.
Outlining possible deviations can improve project performance, ensuring that the project remains on course to achieve its desired outcomes within the defined constraints.
Explore senior project management jobs with AtkinsRéalis
Expand your career on some of the industry's most exciting and newsworthy construction projects – from Sizewell C to the world's tallest hotel, London's Heathrow Airport to Europe's first eco-friendly mosque.
You'll enjoy invaluable exposure to international expertise as well as innovation in local niche areas.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East has become a magnet for ambitious professionals in recent years. This has seen the area emerge as a leader in construction, a sector which is projected to grow to $91.36bn by 2029.
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East is full of opportunity. With its GDP up by 2.8% and NEOM creating 380,000 jobs, the ambition of the region is evident. We’re proud to be at the heart of its most innovative project
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
Electrical engineering has a big part to play in the advancement of modern infrastructure. From smart watches to smart grids, its impact can be seen everywhere you look. By bringing greener practi
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Structural engineering jobs offer an impactful and exciting path. The spaces that we live, move, and work in depend on the expertise of these skilled professionals. As a structural engineer, you’l
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Transportation engineering jobs are on the up. Some of the biggest problems of today are being tackled in the transportation field. There’s a thirst for professionals looking to make a real impact
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/09/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Vijay, an HR leader at AtkinsRéalis in India When I first embarked on my professional journey, I couldn't have imagined the incredible path I would take at AtkinsRé
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a daunting prospect, but at AtkinsRéalis, veterans and reservists are met with tailored support and opportunities to thrive. Stuart
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
What is the role of mechanical engineers? Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the development of machinery and components across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and industri
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are
Preview
Middle EastContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
What is the AMAALA project in Saudi Arabia? The AMAALA project is an ambitious ultra-luxury tourism development along Saudi Arabia's stunning Red Sea coast. I
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be constructed in the UK since the 1990s, marking a pivotal moment for energy and sustainability. As the largest infrastructure pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
AtkinsRéalis is proud to play a pivotal role in the Havant Thicket Reservoir, an innovative and environmentally focused project in Hampshire. Commissioned to design the reservoir and secure pl
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Swansea
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Cardiff
Swansea
Description
Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. Join us, and you'll be part of our genuinely collaborative
Reference
R-125230
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautham ShettyAuthor
Gautham ShettySalary
Location
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
London
Description
The AtkinsRéalis UK Infrastructure Project Delivery Practice (PDP) is the centre of excellence for the delivery of infrastructure projects and the home unit for our project management staff. The team
Reference
R-125008
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Dwithi MAuthor
Dwithi MSalary
Location
Leatherhead
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Potters Bar
Dartford
Leatherhead
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future."Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we
Reference
R-124679
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise and
Reference
R-124660
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
London
Epsom
Description
Take our vision into the future.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise and knowl
Reference
R-124653
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Dwithi MAuthor
Dwithi MSalary
Location
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
London
Description
The AtkinsRéalis UK Infrastructure Project Delivery Practice (PDP) is the centre of excellence for the delivery of infrastructure projects and the home unit for our project management staff. The team
Reference
R-124650
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Dwithi MAuthor
Dwithi MSalary
Location
London
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
London
Description
How would you like to work on some of the most exciting and prestigious projects around the globe? Join our collaborative Project & Programme Services team, where everyone has a voice, and together, w
Reference
R-124511
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautham ShettyAuthor
Gautham ShettySalary
Location
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
London
Description
Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. Join us, and you'll be part of our genuinely collaborative
Reference
R-124507
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautham ShettyAuthor
Gautham ShettySalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
Manchester
Description
Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. Join us, and you'll be part of our genuinely collaborative
Reference
R-124496
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautham ShettyAuthor
Gautham ShettySalary
Location
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
London
Description
Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. Join us, and you'll be part of our genuinely collaborative
Reference
R-124490
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautham ShettyAuthor
Gautham ShettyEquality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more