Job Description

Lead Delivery Excellence. Enable Project Success. Engineer a Better future!

Are you ready for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a real difference? If so, we would be delighted to hear from you.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re driven by purpose: helping our clients deliver the programmes that keep the UK safe, resilient and future‑ready. As part of our Project Management community, you’ll work at the heart of complex, meaningful projects where your decisions have real impact.

We believe people thrive when they’re empowered, so expect autonomy, support and a culture built on psychological safety, flexibility and growth. Whether you’re experienced in this type of environment or looking to step into this world, we’ll help you develop the skills and confidence to lead with excellence.

You’ll join a supportive and collaborative community that invests in your development and wellbeing, and as a Project Manager in our Delivery Optimisation Practice, you’ll benefit from:

• Meaningful work on mission‑critical projects.
• Clear development pathways, including the AtkinsRéalis Certified Project Professional (ACPP) — a fast‑track, APM‑recognised route to Chartership.
• Access to industry-leading training, coaching and specialist communities of practice.
• A highly inclusive culture, backed by our “Women in Defence” and “Women in Aviation and Aerospace” pledges, and MoD Gold Employer Recognition Award.
• Opportunities to shape your career, from delivering complex projects to influencing strategy and guiding multidisciplinary teams.

All our roles are subject to a minimum of 3 days in the office, either onsite with our clients or at one of our AtkinsRéalis offices, (pro-rata’d for part-time employees). These particular roles are based in Cheltenham and Manchester, and we are looking for candidates who can commit to being onsite in Cheltenham or Manchester for a minimum of 4 days per week.

Your role

As a Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for the successful delivery of projects and programmes of varying complexity. Reporting to a Project Director, You’ll be accountable for setting the conditions for success, driving performance and ensuring alignment with our Project Management Framework and government governance standards. Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Defining project organisation and roles; building high-performing, psychologically safe teams.
• Developing and maintaining the Project Management Plan, Quality Plan, and Risk Register.
• Monitoring and controlling project performance against schedule, cost, and quality baselines.
• Managing suppliers and ensuring all commercial and contractual obligations are met, including those related to security and confidentiality.
• Understanding and promoting the capabilities and services we can offer to the project and end client.
• Pursuing opportunities for contract extensions and supporting business development through proactive engagement during delivery, while building trusted partnerships with clients.
• For larger programmes: guiding multi-disciplinary teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving strategic planning and benefits realisation.

About you

• Experience managing projects or programmes, ideally with exposure to secure‑government, MOD or Critical National Infrastructure (desirable but not essential).
• Strong commercial acumen, including budget control and financial reporting.
• Understanding of risk management, quality assurance and government security processes.
• Familiarity with project management tools and systems (e.g., EcoSys, secure document management).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen, explore and influence.
• A collaborative, inclusive and solutions‑focused mindset.
• For more senior roles: experience leading large programmes, shaping delivery strategy and mentoring others.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

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 creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

#LI-ADST | #LI-UK

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.