Working smarter not harder in project delivery

I’m Lewis, Senior Project Manager based in Epsom, Surrey. What drew me to project management, and what still excites me now, is the opportunity to work at the intersection of people, strategy and delivery. That is where I have found the most energy in my career. It is also why AtkinsRéalis’ Project Delivery Practice (PDP) feels so exciting today. We bring people together around complex goals using technology, data and new ways of working to create more value for clients and communities. If you’re looking for a career that combines purpose, variety and growth, this is worth exploring. 

Why I chose project management 

Early in my career within construction and infrastructure, I found myself naturally gravitating toward roles that required coordination, problem‑solving and bringing different teams together to achieve a common objective. I enjoyed seeing how effective planning and communication could turn a complex challenge into a successful outcome. 

As my experience grew, I became increasingly interested in the wider impact that projects can have. Whether delivering improvements at major airports, implementing business change initiatives or introducing new technologies, I saw that project management offered the chance to influence real outcomes and create lasting value. 

That still motivates me today. No two projects are the same, and each one gives me the opportunity to learn, lead teams, solve problems and make a tangible difference through successful delivery. 

What project delivery looks like in practice 

There is definitely no such thing as a typical day! I usually start with reviewing priorities, checking progress against key milestones and managing any risks or issues. From there, I spend time working with project teams, clients and stakeholders to make sure everyone is aligned and focused on the same objectives. 

A large part of the role involves communication and problem‑solving. That might mean facilitating workshops, reviewing program schedules, managing budgets, supporting bid opportunities or helping teams overcome delivery challenges. I also spend time analyzing project data so I can make informed decisions and provide clear reporting. 

Alongside project delivery, I’m involved in broader business transformation initiatives, including digital innovation, strategic resourcing and developing new ways of working. The common theme is bringing people together, solving complex challenges and creating an environment where successful delivery can happen. 

Why collaboration matters

Large infrastructure construction is becoming more complex. Rising costs, supply chain pressures, skills shortages and evolving regulatory requirements all place significant demands on project teams. At the same time, clients rightly expect greater certainty around cost, schedule and outcomes. 

This is why strong project delivery matters so much. Success does not come from process alone. It comes from people working together with clarity, trust and shared focus. In my experience, one of the most important parts of the role is creating alignment across teams, disciplines and stakeholders. When people understand the objective and how their work contributes, delivery becomes stronger. 

That is one of the reasons I find PDP such an interesting place to build a career. We work across sectors, disciplines and geographies, helping turn ambitious ideas into real‑world outcomes. Behind every successful project is a team of people making collaboration happen, and that's what PDP does best. 

How technology helps us create more value 

Project delivery is also changing fast. My approach to project management is increasingly focused on working smarter, not just harder. The scale and complexity of today’s projects mean that project managers need to embrace new tools, data and ways of thinking to deliver the best outcomes. 

A key area has been digital innovation and artificial intelligence. I’m actively exploring with Microsoft Copilot - automating routine tasks, improving reporting, supporting decision‑making and freeing up more time for the high‑value activities that make the biggest difference. 

For me, this is not about replacing project managers. It is about strengthening what we do best. These technologies can enhance our ability to analyze information, manage risk and engage stakeholders effectively. This means we can spend more time on leadership, collaboration and solving the challenges that need human judgment. 

I also place greater emphasis on data‑driven decision‑making, making sure that project performance, forecasting and resource planning are based on reliable insights rather than assumptions. That creates better outcomes for teams and clients. It also makes my job more interesting, because you’re constantly learning how to combine human insight with smarter tools. 

How I’m making an impact 

Another reason I find this field so meaningful is the wider value infrastructure can create. Sustainability is a significant opportunity. Infrastructure projects have a critical role to play in supporting net zero ambitions and creating long‑term social value. By embracing innovative construction methods, low‑carbon materials and smarter ways of working, we can deliver benefits that go beyond the asset itself. 

That is what makes this work feel purposeful to me. Project delivery is not only about meeting milestones. It is about helping teams deliver outcomes that support clients, communities and society over the long term. 

If you want a career that gives you variety, challenge and the chance to create lasting value alongside others, why not explore live jobs in PDP?