Project Delivery careers at AtkinsRéalis: Leading major infrastructure projects

What makes someone successful in a project delivery role at AtkinsRéalis? Luke, Project Director in our Project Delivery Practice (PDP), has been considering this when building teams to work across some of the UK's most complex infrastructure programmes.  

He’s concluded that it's about listening, leading with integrity and creating the conditions for talented people to do their best work. If you're considering a career in project delivery, here's his perspective on what it takes and why there's never been a more exciting time to join us. 

Trust is the foundation of every successful project 

In my experience, 90% of the job of a project leader is communication. A huge amount of my time is spent talking to people, building relationships and ensuring everyone is working towards a common goal. 

Strong, trusted relationships with clients, project teams and stakeholders are critical if projects are going to succeed. I've developed those relationships over many years, first in design roles and then in project management, gaining the experience needed to understand challenges from different perspectives and deliver outcomes that matter. 

One principle has remained constant throughout my career: my word is my bond. If I promise to do something, I make sure I do it. Trust is hard won and easily lost, so consistency and reliability are essential. 

I've also found that listening is far more important than talking. People won't trust you if they don't feel heard. Whether I'm working with clients or framework partners, I invest time in understanding their priorities, concerns and ambitions before proposing solutions. By combining active listening with transparent communication and regular updates, we create stronger relationships that stand the test of time. 

Delivering projects that make a difference 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing the tangible impact of our work. 

In the water sector, for example, we're helping clients address some of the biggest challenges facing the UK today, including climate resilience, water security and environmental protection. The infrastructure we're developing will support communities for generations, ensuring reliable water supplies while helping to protect our natural environment. 

What motivates me most is knowing that we're helping deliver a nationally critical service. The solutions we develop often extend beyond engineering itself, influencing policy, encouraging innovation and helping shape the future of the sector. 

Solving some of the UK's biggest infrastructure challenges 

Infrastructure delivery has never been more complex. Rising costs, planning and regulatory challenges, net-zero commitments and skills shortages all create significant pressures across the industry. 

At the same time, the opportunities are enormous. 

Organisations that can innovate, collaborate effectively and attract exceptional talent will be best placed to succeed. That's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about AtkinsRéalis. We consistently bring together the expertise, capability and determination needed to solve problems that others find difficult. 

Some of my proudest career moments have come from delivering projects that seemed almost impossible at the outset. Highlights include helping prepare HM Naval Base Devonport to support deep maintenance of the Astute-class submarine fleet and pioneering digital innovations in reinforced concrete detailing for major programmes at the Atomic Weapons Establishment and Hinkley Point C. 

There's a real sense of achievement in seeing teams come together to overcome complex challenges and deliver outcomes that genuinely matter. Those are the moments that remind me why I enjoy this profession. 

Leadership through clarity, support and high standards 

My leadership style is straightforward. 

I work hard, lead by example and always look for ways to support my team when challenges arise. I believe project leaders should be visible, approachable and willing to get involved when needed. 

At the same time, I expect high standards. Clients choose AtkinsRéalis because they trust us to deliver exceptional service, and it's our responsibility to meet that expectation every time. 

Providing clear direction is also essential. Teams perform at their best when they understand the objective, the route to success and the role they play in achieving it. Equally, clients need confidence that we understand their priorities and have a credible plan to deliver against them. 

Strong relationships underpin all of this. When people trust one another, conversations become more honest, decisions are made more effectively and projects achieve better outcomes.

Collaboration is where the magic happens 

The best project teams I've worked with share one characteristic: they collaborate relentlessly. 

Major infrastructure projects simply cannot succeed without multidisciplinary teams working together throughout the entire project lifecycle. Everyone must be aligned behind the same goal, without personal agendas or siloed thinking. 

When collaboration is at its best, ideas build on ideas. Innovation flourishes. Problems are solved faster. Teams challenge each other constructively and continuously improve how they work. 

As project leaders, our role is to provide inspiration, create clarity and support people in achieving the best possible outcomes. When that happens, extraordinary things become possible. 

Looking ahead 

What excites me most about the future is the calibre of people we continue to attract and develop with PDP.  

By combining deep expertise with fresh perspectives and diverse talent, we're strengthening our position as leaders in delivering some of the most important projects across Water, Power & Renewables, Aviation and Defence Infrastructure. 

The scale, complexity and significance of the projects we'll be delivering over the next decade is genuinely exciting. For people who enjoy solving challenging problems, working collaboratively and making a lasting impact, I believe there's never been a better time to build a career with AtkinsRéalis. 

Search roles with PDP here.