Join to apply for the Associate Director - Programme & Project Management role at Arup

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director Project Manager to join our Programme & Project Management (PPM) business in the North. Our PPM function works with clients across numerous industries, providing talented teams of Programme and Project Managers who support projects throughout the whole project or programme lifecycle. We are experiencing significant demand for client-side programme management and delivery partner roles across the UK and internationally, particularly in the water and energy infrastructure markets. The new PPM Associate Director will strengthen our leadership, bid, and delivery capability in the North East of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the potential to support other major projects nationally.

Once in role, the focus will be on client programme strategic leadership opportunities, rather than construction programme delivery. You will help our clients with programme formation in the initial stages, work with key stakeholders to develop opportunities, lead bids and support other Arup projects and major programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead & manage project teams to deliver commissions and take commercial responsibility for project outcomes.
• Deliver work to a high standard of client satisfaction and profitability for Arup.
• Have responsibility for a team, supporting development, undertaking annual appraisal and growing PPM capacity and capability.

What You Will Need

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in building long-lasting client relationships, developing targeted propositions and winning work. You will be able to advise clients on programme delivery strategy, leadership and engagement, governance, structuring a programme organisation, delivery model, Health and Safety, sustainability and resilience, stakeholder management, and engagement. You will also have proven capability in successful programme and project management services for complex built environment programmes across energy, water and transport sectors during development and delivery phases.

• A background of knowledge transfer and capacity building with client teams, supporting learning and capability building as a key outcome.
• Experience on politically complex programmes with the right balance of skills, respect, humility and understanding of client organisations and political/organisational sensitivities.
• Familiar with engaging with client programme boards and steering groups in complex settings.
• Skilled in implementing and utilising digital tools and systems in the delivery of complex programmes across a broad range of project management disciplines.
• A well-established background in PPM across energy, water & transport sectors.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each member to our shared success. We offer competitive pay and a career where all members can belong, grow and thrive – with health and wellbeing benefits, learning opportunities and opportunities to have an impact on projects and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection, plus flexible benefits to support wellbeing for you and your family.

Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

We are committed to accessible recruitment and workplaces. Please contact Rachel Connolly at rachel.connolly@arup.com to request assistance or adjustments throughout your application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Application Process

For what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Closing date: 8th of November 2025