Senior Project Manager

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex nuclear projects across decommissioning, waste management, defence and new build programmes. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of the UK nuclear industry, delivering critical projects in a highly regulated environment while helping to shape a strong, inclusive and safety‑led culture. You will be a trusted partner to our clients, a leader of multi‑disciplinary teams, and a role model for nuclear safety, governance and professional project delivery.

You will also be responsible for the bidding and delivery of our projects to time, cost, and quality throughout their project lifecycle, from tender to closeout.

Atkins

Réalis Decommissioning Team
Atkins

Réalis  DWS business consists of over 400 professionals of all disciplines and backgrounds working together to deliver innovative solutions to some of the most challenging and complex problems and projects in the UK s nuclear industry. We create a culture and environment to inspire our people, ensure collaboration with our clients and continue to shape the future of the UK s nuclear decommissioning programme.

Atkins

Réalis have recently won multiple places on the Decommissioning Nuclear Waste Partnership (DWNP) Framework, a major route to market issued by Sellafield Ltd, totaling £4.6B issued over the 15 year span of the framework. This provides a number of great and exciting opportunities to join the team.

Your role

• Leading the end‑to‑end delivery of complex nuclear projects and work packages, from initiation through to close‑out.
• Establishing and maintaining robust project governance aligned to client, regulatory and internal requirements.
• Managing project scope, schedule, cost, risk and change to ensure successful outcomes.
• Embedding nuclear safety, security, quality and environmental considerations into all aspects of delivery.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, partners, regulators and suppliers.
• Providing clear, confident communication on progress, risks, opportunities and issues.
• Leading, motivating and developing project teams, creating an inclusive and psychologically safe environment.
• Coaching and mentoring project managers and contributing to capability development across the business.
• Managing project finances, forecasts and commercial performance.
• Supporting business growth through client engagement, repeat work and new opportunities.

About You

Essential experience

• Proven experience delivering complex projects in a nuclear or similarly highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of project management governance, assurance and controls.
• Demonstrated experience managing cost, schedule, risk and change at project or programme level.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and working in integrated delivery environments.
• A strong understanding of nuclear safety culture and regulatory expectations.

Desirable

• Experience across decommissioning, waste, new build or defence nuclear programmes.
• Experience supporting bids, proposals or business development activities.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
• Recognised project management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP).
• Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) or working towards chartership (desirable).

Why join us?

• Work on nationally significant nuclear programmes that genuinely matter.
• Be part of a business that puts safety, people and culture at the heart of delivery.
• Clear opportunities for professional development, chartership and career progression.
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your contribution is recognised and valued.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance.

Reward & 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 range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Take advantage of training and professional development opportunities and our hybrid working culture…