Assistant Project Manager/ Design Manager at AtkinsRéalis

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Project Manager/ Design Manager

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: GB.Birmingham - Chamberlain Square

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Design Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-12T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Leading multidisciplinary engineering design coordination within significant rail infrastructure projects.
Supporting the end-to-end delivery of multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring adherence to timeline and budget constraints.
Contributing to business growth through bid management and securing future project opportunities.
Acting as a key liaison with Alliance partners, clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to foster strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Design Manager," the core responsibilities emphasize project management and coordination of engineering design within a rail context. The role requires strong project delivery skills and stakeholder management, with design oversight rather than hands-on design creation.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Lead the coordination and delivery of multidisciplinary engineering design packages for rail infrastructure projects.
Support the successful delivery of major multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, meeting deadlines and budget targets.
Manage key client accounts and relationships to position CRSA as the preferred partner.
Actively participate in bid management processes to secure future projects and contribute to business growth.
Ensure rigorous safety standards are maintained and promoted across all project activities and sites.
Establish and cultivate strong relationships with Alliance partners, key suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Effectively manage supply chain relationships and sub-contracts.
Oversee a diverse range of design disciplines and manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing competing demands and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the responsibilities, the "Design Manager" aspect appears to focus on managing the output and coordination of design teams rather than being a creative design lead. The emphasis is on project delivery through effective management of the design process and teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree-level qualification or equivalent is required, preferably in a relevant engineering or project management discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience managing projects, engineering deliverables, or teams across multiple locations. Experience managing the delivery of projects to budget, programme, and client requirements is essential. Experience with Network Rail Engineering Design processes and requirements is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

Project management principles and practices, particularly within an engineering context.
Experience in managing engineering deliverables and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
Proven ability to manage project budgets and programmes effectively.
Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
Commitment to promoting and maintaining high safety standards.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Proficiency in negotiation and conflict management.
Demonstrated leadership skills, capable of motivating and guiding teams.
Extensive experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Network Rail Engineering Design processes and requirements.
Formal qualifications or membership to the Association for Project Management (APM) or a relevant professional body.
Experience in bid management and securing new business opportunities.
Ability to manage supply chain and sub-contracts confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on project management experience within an engineering context, coupled with the preference for Network Rail specific knowledge, indicates this is a role rooted in the delivery of technical infrastructure projects, with design management as a key component of that delivery rather than a purely creative design function.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: While not a traditional design role requiring a visual portfolio of creative work, candidates should be prepared to present case studies demonstrating their experience in managing complex engineering design projects. Focus should be on the process of design delivery, coordination, and problem-solving within a project framework.

Process Documentation:

Examples of project plans and methodologies used for managing multidisciplinary engineering design.
Documentation showcasing approaches to managing design interfaces, risks, and dependencies.
Case studies illustrating successful management of design changes and variations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on managing engineering design rather than generating creative design, the "portfolio" should be interpreted as a collection of professional case studies and process documentation demonstrating project management capabilities within a design context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £40,000 - £55,000 per annum (Estimate based on Assistant Project Manager/Design Manager roles in the UK rail/infrastructure sector for candidates with 2-5 years experience in the specified locations. This range is an estimate and actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and negotiation.)

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package typically including health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
Pension scheme with company contributions.
Opportunities for professional development and training, including support for relevant qualifications (e.g., APM).
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Range of family-friendly and inclusive employment policies.
Flexible working arrangements may be available depending on project needs.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for travel to project sites, CRSA, and client offices as required by project demands. Flexibility may be needed to accommodate project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK infrastructure and rail sector for mid-level professionals. It is important for candidates to discuss the specific salary and benefits package during the interview process.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, specifically focused on transportation infrastructure with a significant presence in the UK rail sector. AtkinsRéalis is a leading global professional services and project management company, known for delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally. This large size indicates a well-established company with significant resources, structured processes, and opportunities for working on large-scale projects.

Founded: The company has a long history through the merger of Atkins and SNC-Lavalin, bringing together decades of engineering and project management expertise.

Team Structure:

The role sits within the UK Transportation business, specifically supporting the Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA).
Collaboration is key, working closely with multidisciplinary design and delivery organizations both within the UK and internationally.
The role involves managing relationships with Alliance partners, clients, key suppliers, and internal stakeholders, suggesting a matrix management or collaborative team structure.

Methodology:

Emphasis on leading multidisciplinary engineering coordination and delivery, suggesting structured project management and design delivery methodologies.
Focus on delivering projects on time and to budget implies adherence to established project execution frameworks.
Working within the Central Rail Systems Alliance suggests collaboration and potentially integrated project delivery approaches.

Company Website: https://www.atkinsrealis.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's size and focus on large-scale infrastructure projects indicate a structured environment with established processes. The "design culture" in this context is likely focused on the efficient and coordinated delivery of engineering design within a project framework rather than a purely creative studio environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned at an Assistant Project Manager/Design Manager level, typically representing a mid-level position for professionals with 2-5 years of relevant experience in project management and engineering design coordination within the rail or infrastructure sector. The role involves significant responsibility in managing project delivery and stakeholder relationships.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Senior Project Manager or Programme Manager within the Central Rail Systems Alliance team. Collaboration with various engineering disciplines, project teams, and client representatives is integral.

Design Impact: The design impact in this role is through the effective management and coordination of engineering design teams and deliverables, ensuring that design outputs meet project requirements, safety standards, and client expectations, thereby contributing to the successful realization of rail infrastructure projects.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement to a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager role, taking on responsibility for larger or more complex projects.
Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of rail infrastructure or engineering design management.
Potential to move into programme management or leadership roles within the UK Transportation business.
Support for achieving professional qualifications (e.g., chartered status, APM certification).

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is strongly aligned with project management and engineering delivery within the infrastructure sector. Growth opportunities are likely to involve taking on greater project responsibility and potentially moving into more senior management positions within the company's transportation business.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Primarily an office-based role with required travel to project sites, CRSA offices, and client locations. The work environment will likely be a professional office setting, characteristic of a large engineering and project management consultancy.

Office Location(s): The primary location is GB.Birmingham - Chamberlain Square, with potential for work at or travel to GB.York - Station Rise, GB.Crewe.Tech Investigation Centre, and GB.Manchester - The Exchange.

Design Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely facilitate collaboration among project teams and engineering disciplines.
Access to necessary project management software, communication tools, and potentially engineering design review platforms.
Interaction with diverse teams involved in the planning, design, and construction phases of rail projects.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the expectation of travel as needed to support project requirements and client engagements. Flexibility may be required to manage project deadlines and site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a large engineering consultancy, emphasizing project delivery and collaboration across various locations. The "studio type" is a professional office setting focused on project management and engineering coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening interview to assess relevant experience in project management, engineering coordination, and the rail sector.
Technical interview focusing on experience with project delivery methodologies, stakeholder management, and potentially knowledge of Network Rail processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.
Case study or presentation where you may be asked to discuss a complex project you have managed, highlighting your role in engineering design coordination, risk management, and successful delivery.
Interview(s) with hiring managers and potentially team leads to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and communication skills.

Portfolio Review Tips: While a traditional creative design portfolio is not expected, prepare case studies or project summaries that clearly articulate:

The scope and complexity of engineering design projects you have managed.
Your approach to coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Examples of how you have managed project budgets, schedules, and risks related to design delivery.
Instances where you have successfully managed client and stakeholder relationships in a project context.

Challenge Preparation: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical project scenarios or challenges related to managing engineering design in a rail environment. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, decision-making process, and ability to navigate complex project dynamics.

ATS Keywords: Project Management, Design Management, Engineering Coordination, Rail Infrastructure, Network Rail, Multidisciplinary Projects, Project Delivery, Budget Management, Programme Management, Stakeholder Management, Client Relationships, Safety Management, Bid Management, Supply Chain Management, Sub-contract Management, Microsoft Office, APM, Collaboration, Teamwork, Negotiation, Conflict Management, Leadership, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Signalling, Track, Electrification, Geotechnical, Environmental, Risk Management, Project Planning, Project Execution, Project Control, Project Monitoring, Project Reporting, Alliance Working, Transportation, Infrastructure Consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily focus on your project management and engineering coordination experience within the relevant sector. Tailor your application materials and interview responses to highlight these aspects, using the provided ATS keywords to optimize your resume.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools: While not directly using creative design tools, proficiency in tools used for managing and reviewing engineering design deliverables is expected. This may include:

Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for planning, scheduling, and tracking design activities.
Document Management Systems (DMS) for managing design submissions, reviews, and approvals.
Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint) for team communication and file sharing.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Tools for facilitating communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, and contractors.
Systems for managing the handoff of design deliverables between different project stages and stakeholders.

Research & Testing:

Tools or processes used for gathering information relevant to engineering design decisions (e.g., site surveys, technical reports).
Methods for validating design outputs against project requirements and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are centered around project management, document control, and collaboration within an engineering project context. Proficiency in these areas is crucial for managing the design delivery process effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values: The company's values likely emphasize safety, collaboration, technical excellence, innovation, and client focus. Within the context of design management, this translates to:

Prioritizing safety throughout the design process and in the final deliverables.
Fostering a collaborative environment where multidisciplinary engineering teams can work effectively together.
Striving for technical excellence in the coordinated engineering designs.
Exploring innovative approaches within the constraints of rail engineering standards.
Maintaining a strong client focus, ensuring design solutions meet their needs and expectations.

Collaboration Style:

Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and client representatives.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making within project teams.
Open communication and information sharing to ensure project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are likely driven by the demands of delivering complex engineering projects in a safety-critical environment like rail. Collaboration and technical rigor are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing the coordination and integration of complex multidisciplinary engineering designs within tight deadlines and budgets.
Navigating the specific requirements and standards of Network Rail engineering processes.
Managing design changes and variations effectively while minimizing impact on project delivery.
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration across geographically dispersed design and delivery teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to gain further experience in managing large-scale rail infrastructure projects.
Support for pursuing professional certifications such as APM.
Exposure to various engineering disciplines and project delivery methodologies.
Potential for mentorship from experienced project and design managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are primarily related to the complexity of managing engineering design within large, regulated infrastructure projects. Growth opportunities are tied to developing expertise in this specific domain and taking on increasing levels of project responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your approach to managing the coordination of multidisciplinary engineering design teams on a complex project. Provide specific examples.
How do you ensure that engineering design deliverables meet project requirements, budget, and schedule?
Discuss a time you encountered a significant design challenge on a project and how you managed it to a successful outcome.

Company Culture Questions:

What interests you about working for AtkinsRéalis and specifically within the UK Transportation business?
How do you approach building relationships with Alliance partners, clients, and internal stakeholders?
Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment and how you contribute to team success.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Prepare to present case studies of 2-3 projects where you played a key role in managing engineering design coordination. For each project, clearly articulate:

The project scope and your specific responsibilities.
The multidisciplinary nature of the design you managed.
The methodologies and processes you employed for design coordination and delivery.
How you managed risks, changes, and stakeholder communication related to the design.
The successful outcomes achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus your interview preparation on demonstrating your project management and engineering design coordination skills, using specific examples from your past experience. Research AtkinsRéalis and their work in the rail sector to tailor your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in project management, engineering coordination, and the rail/infrastructure sector, incorporating relevant keywords from the ATS list.
Prepare case studies or project summaries that effectively showcase your experience in managing multidisciplinary engineering design projects.
Research AtkinsRéalis, the UK Transportation business, and the Central Rail Systems Alliance to understand their work and align your application accordingly.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Assistant Project Manager/ Design Manager