Operations Director - Strategic Highways

Job Description

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions. 

We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support you. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture. So, talk to us about what's ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.  

Read more about how you can thrive with us: Equality, diversity & inclusion in the UK & Europe (atkinsrealis.com) 

The Strategic Highways (SH) Market sits at the heart of our ambition to shape the future of transportation. The Operations Director is a critical role that links our projects, people and markets together, ensuring that the revenue and margin performance exceeds targets. The SH market is significant with an annual revenue of approaching £100M that has grown over recent years as our portfolio has diversified.
The market spans a diverse range of projects across the UK, whether working direct for the UK’s national transport bodies or for Contractors delivering schemes for them.  Our portfolio ranges from providing design and advice for national major projects to highways asset services and renewals, whilst our data and technology services are growing rapidly, and management and technical consultancy remains a significant and growing part of the business.

The Operations Director needs to maintain financial performance and ensure governance is maintained through our service delivery process while enhancing our reputation with clients, ensuring both project quality and effective communication at project level. This needs to be undertaken through the Project Directors and Project Managers who are responsible for the successful project delivery.
The individual will need to effectively balance the demands of the short- and long-term performance of the Market.  You will support the Market Director through oversight of the Market’s projects and frameworks, reporting market performance to the Transportation MD and FD, and attending the monthly and quarterly business reviews.  You will be a core member of the Market’s leadership team.  The Operations Director will also oversee P&L budgeting and forecasting for the market and ensure delivery against these promises.

As a member of the Transportation Senior Leadership Team, be an ambassador for the business; attending and speaking at relevant industry events, developing alliances and partnerships and generally leveraging opportunities to build greater awareness of AtkinsRéalis and improve our standing and reputation.

Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Market Director :

• Work with Project Directors and Project Managers to coordinate and take responsibility for all projects related to the market with an objective to deliver all projects on time and within budget while exceeding client quality expectations.
• Oversee the performance of Project Managers and Project Directors delivering Strategic Highways Projects.
• Oversee budgeting and undertake monthly operational reviews within market.
• Identify and manage portfolio risks and opportunities, and properly escalate key decisions and actions, working closely with the Market’s Commercial Lead.
• Assure full compliance with policies and procedures, attending and undertaking stagegate reviews as appropriate.
• Ensure project teams undertaking red and amber reviews are suitably prepared.
• Oversee the QSSE and business improvement aspects of the Market Business Plan.
• Work with the Practices to define resource requirements for the Strategic Highways Market sector.
• Work with other stakeholders on the implementation of strategic initiatives that develop our people.
• Ensure an appropriate regime of project reviews within the market based on risk, including chairing project boards for high priority projects.
• Prepare and deliver Market budgets and forecasts, working closely with Market Financial Controller.
• Actively contribute to the Transportation Operations Forum, working with other Operations Directors on issues of common interest.
•  Prepare and deliver Market budgets and forecasts, working closely with Market Financial Controller.
• Ensure bids and projects within the market have adequate commercial and operational support, and where required lean in to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Manage the Market’s Performance Manager a