We are looking to appoint an Interim Practice Director in the Sustainable Land & Resource Management (SLRM) practice, part of the wider Environment practice in Infrastructure.
The SLRM Practice hosts 120+ staff with teams located across the UK incorporating expertise across a broad range of environmental specialties, including Land Contamination, Circular Economy & Wate, Heritage, Hydrogeology (both contaminant transport and engineering hydrogeology) and aligned disciplines. You will be supported by Practice Managers representing the UK regions and a strong senior technical team.
AtkinsRealis is renowned for an array of significant projects, in the UK and overseas, across markets including Aviation, Defence, Energy, Cities & Development, and Water. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to fully maximise your broad range of operational delivery, technical knowledge, interpersonal and client relationship skills within an environment where further progression will be very much supported and encouraged.
As a key member of the Environment Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will be comfortable in taking the lead in operational management of large teams, driving results, providing the appropriate technical guidance and professional challenge to further develop your team, as well as making a real contribution to the success of AtkinsRealis Infrastructure business through our significant internal and external markets. You will work with Market Leads in Environment and beyond to support the development of client value propositions which shift our services into high-value consulting and advisory areas, and recruit and develop the right capability within the practice to deliver those services
The SLRM practice is a key contributor to our major programmes across all our markets and you will take a leading role building our capability to deliver services into our growing markets (including Aviation, Defence and Energy, Water, Buildings & Places), meet our growing project workload and help us design and apply new approaches to our work.
The Practices are the ‘technical powerhouse’ that forms the foundation of the AtkinsRealis organisation. You will drive a culture of Operational Excellence where colleagues are clear about the expectations of them and are supportive of the efficient running of the practice. As Practice Director, you will work collaboratively to deliver results, lead our people, drive innovation and ensure technical excellence. We are searching for a candidate with a well-rounded leadership and management background who can deliver the operational performance of a large and diverse team.
Objectives & Responsibilities
Operational
- Leadership of the SLRM Practice, becoming an integral part of the wider Environment Practice Senior Leadership team.
- Drive Practice performance to meet budgets, control overheads, keep break even rates low and extract value from non-billable time.
- Maintain productivity within the Practice through efficient resource management whilst facilitating the flow of work to the GTC.
- Establish long- and short-term resource demand based on pipelines of opportunity. Ensure skills and capacity meet needs of the markets via targeted recruitment.
- Develop and evolve Practice organisational structure to align with future requirements.
- Identify where skills are not available in-house and work with external alliance partners and subcontractors to deliver project needs
People
- Lead a Practice, including several discipline groups.
- Provide line management to Practice Managers and senior technical colleagues
- Enthuse our senior people through effective performance and development plans that align to their career opportunities.
- Support Practice Managers with the day-to-day management of the business
- Motivate managers and team members ensuring they are challenged, stretched and developed with succession plans in place
- Ultimately responsible for H&S within the SLRM Practice and for driving a strong H&S culture
Technical
- Lead a practice recognised for technical excellence and demonstrate ability to flexibly respond to business needs.
- Work with Service Line Leads in Environment and beyond to support the development of client value propositions which shift our services into high-value consulting and advisory areas.
- Drive improvements in technical leadership, assurance and governance. Act as, appoint or work alongside a Professional Head of Discipline (PHoD) ensuring professionalism within the Practice and a client-centric approach to technical innovation and service excellence.
- Lead thought leadership, technical best practice, knowledge sharing and process standardisation.
- Maintain succession plans for the Practice leadership, with a specific focus on technical capability.
Stakeholder
- You would collaborate with the market and business development teams to ensure the Practice team actively engage with clients and actively sell our services.
- Coordinate with Markets to drive delivery of business objectives by effective resourcing and capability development in line with Market strategies and long-term plans.
- Responsible for winning work through maximising additional/repeat/follow-on work from clients.
What qualities will the successful candidate demonstrate?
A high expectation of performance – both for themselves and other members of the team, coupled with a drive for continuous improvement and a proven track record of delivery of targets Motivational – to build and motivate a team and demonstrate good management qualities as an ‘ambassador’ for AtkinsRealis. Excellent communication – both interpersonal and organisational skills, verbally and in writing Approachable – to be supportive and encouraging to all members of the team, coupled with a passion for staff development Professional – to lead the practice team so that it has a reputation for technical excellence and quality of delivery in a relevant discipline Flexible – be able to travel throughout the UK where and when required, while maintaining a beneficial balance Hard working – someone who is reliable, proactive and innovative, whilst able to keep calm under pressure and when working to often demanding deadlines Adaptive –able to adapt to different cultures and working environments to build rapport with both clients and practice teams
What we offer?
AtkinsRealis recognise that there are many well qualified people who are looking to further their career, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate one’s requirements. As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important..
Rewards and Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary that is regularly tested against other consultants with a default 25-days leave each year plus bank holidays and options to buy some or sell of that leave. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package.
https://yourrewarduk.snclavalin.com/
Training:
AtkinsRealis is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of candidate’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
Flexible Working:
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a flexible working pattern for this vacancy. For roles advertised under the category of flexible working we would encourage you to explore the flexible working options we are able to offer during the interview process.
ATKINSREALIS is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.
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.
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.
