Client Director – Decommissioning (Project & Programme Services)

Having achieved exciting and sustained growth across our Complex Infrastructure sector and with further growth potential, we are looking to recruit to bolster our client development and delivery. As part of our strategic expansion, we’re appointing a Client Director for Nuclear Decommissioning to lead delivery excellence and account growth across our key clients. We're proud to be ranked as one of LinkedIn's Top 25 Companies, where UK professionals want to work and stay once, they join. We've also made the Times Top 50 employers for women.

About our Nuclear Decommissioning Sector:

We play a vital role in delivering high-impact programmes across the UK’s nuclear decommissioning landscape. Working alongside Sellafield, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and their supply chains, we bring deep expertise in complex project delivery, infrastructure lifecycle management, and risk reduction within regulated environments. Our teams provide end-to-end solutions — from programme delivery and asset management to decommissioning strategy and stakeholder engagement — helping shape a safe, sustainable nuclear future for the UK.

The key focus will be to develop the Nuclear Decommissioning sector nationally through strategic relationships and strategies to expand our current footprint. You will report to our Energy Sector Director for Complex Infrastructure, Project and Programme Services UK and be part of our senior leadership team.  The role requires a natural ability to collaborate with our existing teams to grow the business.  The ideal candidate will be based in Cumbria, maintaining a strong presence at our West Lakes office or at client sites and offices.

Your Purpose:

• This is a strategic, delivery-focused leadership role with a strong emphasis on account growth and client proximity.
• You’ll be the trusted interface between AtkinsRéalis and our clients, leading teams to deliver successfully today while building the relationships that enable future opportunity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver excellence on major programmes for Sellafield, NDA and others, building credibility through consistent performance.
• Grow existing accounts and identify new business opportunities across the nuclear decommissioning market.
• Lead client relationships, working closely with key decision-makers to shape and deliver programmes that exceed expectations.
• Drive pipeline development, translating market insights into actionable strategies.
• Represent our nuclear capability internally and externally, championing innovation and sustainability.
• Mentor and develop teams, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Support bid development, win strategies, and service line growth across our nuclear portfolio.

 What you can bring:

• Strong track record in delivering complex programmes within the nuclear decommissioning sector.
• Deep understanding of the regulatory, political, and technical environment around Sellafield, NDA, and related stakeholders.
• Based in Cumbria or with strong ties to the region and a well-established local network.
• Proven ability to build trust and influence at senior levels, both client-side and internally.
• Blend of strategic insight and hands-on delivery experience.
• Experience in winning and growing high-value accounts.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills.

 Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Profit and loss accountability.
• Have an established client base and contacts within the construction industry.
• Advanced understanding and use of construction contracts (e.g. NEC form of contract).

 Desirable Academic Qualifications:

• Relevant degree with sufficient and appropriate consulting experience or equivalent.
• Ideally, Chartered member of an appropriate professional institution such as ICE, RICS etc.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

Looking for a place where you can engineer a better future? AtkinsRéalis is for you. Here, our digital-enabled approach transforms outcomes for people and the environment. You'll have a myriad of projects to choose from and endless possibilities for career growth. More responsibility, acclaimed training programmes and flexible working are part of our inclusive culture of prioritising diversity, health, and happiness.

Join our Project & Programme Services team and 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. Communities are at the heart of our work and our people are proud to be working towards a Net Zero Carbon future and regenerating cities across the UK.

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 promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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