Flexibility is how you build a career in project delivery

What does it take to build a rewarding career in project delivery? For Clare, Practice Director in our Project Delivery Practice (PDP), it has meant staying curious, building strong relationships, and being ready to move across markets, teams, and complex project environments. In this career story, she shares how flexibility, continuous learning, and people‑focused leadership have shaped her development at AtkinsRéalis, and why they matter for anyone looking to grow in project management and project delivery. 

Growth starts when you step forward 

“I have always tried to grab opportunities – from helping out with projects in distress, picking something up in a new market, and working with different teams. I’ve also focused on building and maintaining a large network of internal contacts, because many opportunities come from who you know and from people knowing you and your capabilities. 

That’s shaped the way I have built my career in project delivery. No two paths look the same. We all know that large and complex programs need people who can adapt and that’s why flexibility matters so much. It helps us build new skills, take on different challenges, and find where we can make the biggest impact. 

Ongoing education and continuous skill development have also been crucial for me. They have helped me adapt to different roles and challenges over time. My passion for learning and my willingness to take calculated risks have played a significant role in diversifying my career. Participating in cross‑functional teams has given me diverse perspectives and supported my growth. Each project comes with unique challenges, and that pushes me to think creatively and develop innovative solutions. 

A leadership role built around people, projects, and partnership

No two days are the same, and that is one of my favourite things about my job. I spend a lot of time talking, and listening! As Project Director I offer advice and guidance to project managers, and I also act as framework manager spending time liaising with clients and our partner organisations. 

I’m also a Practice Director, which involves a lot of people management. I work with my Practice Managers to make sure people are busy, working on projects they enjoy, and getting the chance to develop. 

To be honest, early in my career, I never really envisaged getting to this level, so I still have to pinch myself sometimes. The role constantly challenges me to grow and adapt, which means no two days are ever mundane. It is rewarding to see projects come to fruition and to know that my guidance played a role in their success. 

Helping teams thrive together

Hopefully I am a collaborative and engaging leader! I’m a people person, and I enjoy building teams and helping them achieve their potential. 

I think we perform best when we’re happy and doing things we enjoy and are passionate about. So I try to make sure people are working on projects that interest them and that they’re well supported. 

I really believe in open communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regular feedback sessions and recognizing individual contributions help maintain motivation and alignment with our goals. 

For me, strong project delivery depends on more than technical expertise. It depends on trust, support, and people working together. That is how we help each other grow, and that is how we build teams that can deliver real impact. 

Big challenges create bigger opportunities 

Our clients’ main challenges are around matching budget with requirements and expectations. This is a constant battle. I think part of our role is helping them achieve the best result possible with the money available. That means helping them see different ways of achieving the end goal and prioritizing their requirements. 

I also see a major opportunity ahead in the possibilities of what AI can do for the construction industry. I don’t yet know exactly what this will look like, but technology will continue to drive change across the construction industry.  

I also see opportunity in sustainable construction practices, helping reduce environmental impacts and supporting compliance with emerging regulations. The integration of advanced materials and modular construction can also lead to safer, faster, and more cost‑effective project delivery. We all know that the industry is changing, so we need to stay open, learn together, and be ready to adapt. 

Building the next generation of leaders 

I’ve loved being part of PDP over the last eight years, and I can’t believe how much the team has grown and developed over that time. I feel proud of the contribution I’ve made to that growth, and I’m excited to see what more we can do. 

I feel particularly excited about the work we have done in bringing in graduates and young professionals - hopefully they’ll be the leaders of the future for PDP. I love how we develop and grow our own talent, and we’ve seen a number of our graduates progress and do incredible things. 

The work we have been doing to build a team in our Global Technology Centre in India to complement our UK team has lots of potential and this more diverse team is helping build a stronger PDP. 

Looking ahead, I’m particularly thrilled by the prospect of integrating new technologies and innovative methodologies into our processes. It will streamline our operations and enhance the quality of our projects and services. 

If you’re keen to join our Project Delivery Practice, my message is simple. Stay open. Keep learning. Take the opportunity in front of you. Flexibility is not a side skill; it’s how you build a career with purpose, connection, and growth. 

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