Client Director - Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office

Job Description

A growing element of our work is undertaken for development agencies in developing countries, with an increasing portfolio of work with DFID and the FCO. Our work has a specific focus on Africa, but our portfolio is diverse, and covers both developed and developing countries, including in Asia and Central/Eastern Europe, and public and private sector clients The work is varied, and includes:

• Sustainable cities
• Sustainable finance
• Project preparation and development;
• Master plans and investment plans;
• Infrastructure development (throughout the whole project cycle);
• Transaction advice
• Climate resilience planning; and
• Economic and financial modelling

We are interested in candidates who are motivated by the opportunity to drive the expansion of our business. The ideal candidate will have significant experience of client management, winning, managing and delivering, projects in the above areas, and with capability in one or more of our core areas of technical, commercial and economic advisory services which we offer to clients to assist them with infrastructure development. The position is based in the UK, preference would be Epsom or London office. Candidates must be open to frequent international travel and periods of time abroad.

Responsibilities

• Key client management
• Business Development
• Leading, managing and delivering bids and projects in the above areas;
• Identifying, generating and developing business opportunities and market propositions;
• Maintaining compliance with Atkins’ corporate processes;
• Providing thought leadership;
• Maintaining a network of contacts within Atkins, and with prospective clients and potential partners organisations; and
• Commercial and financial management.

Requirements

Qualifications

Accredited degree

Experience

• Experience working with international finance organisations. We are particularly interested in experience with DfID / FCO and recent experience with these clients is key
• Developing countries – particular experience in countries where we have a strong focus such as Africa and Asia would be a considerable advantage;
• Track record in winning, managing or developing large international projects (£1 Million plus) to time and budget in various countries, ideally including developing countries;
• Specific experience winning, managing or developing DFID/FCO projects or programmes.
• Outstanding consulting skills - including structured thinking, report writing and stakeholder communication;
• Strong project financial management skills;
• Understanding of risk management;
• Influencer, with a network of contacts that can support the identification, the development and delivery of work;
• Leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams;
• Self-motivated, with the initiative and resilience to support the growth of our business; and
• Openness to frequent international travel.

Direct experience in programme management for DFID, FCO or other development agencies is an asset, and successful programme development and delivery will be considered as equivalent to a strong track record winning work.

The Individual

• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of:
• All-round experience including a blend of technical, contractual, commercial and project management knowledge and experience;
• Effective leadership of teams to deliver challenging objectives;
• Demonstrable ability to achieve progress in complex unstructured environments;
• Excellent communications skills; and
• A confident and professional manner.

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.

ATKINS, part of the SNC Lavalin Group, is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

Atkins 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 individual requirements.