Technical Director of Architecture (Nuclear Facilities)

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AECOM is seeking a Technical Director of Architecture to lead the design and delivery of complex nuclear sector projects in the Civil and/or Defence arena from Glasgow. You will drive design leadership, oversee testing and specifications, embed Safety in Design, and manage multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules and client engagement across the UK network while supporting bid activity and the firm’s technical excellence initiatives. Essential qualifications include full ARB registration and a relevant architecture degree, with demonstrable leadership in regulated environments and nuclear delivery, plus SC clearance or the ability to obtain it. To apply, tailor your CV to evidence leadership in multi‑disciplinary delivery, risk management, client relationships, Nuclear Safety Case familiarity, and experience delivering to budget and NEC contracts.

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

As a Technical Director, you will coordinate and lead the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary projects in the Nuclear Sector (Civil and/or Defence). You’ll also collaborate across AECOM’s UK network and support strategic growth, work-winning, project delivery, client engagement, and the highest standards of design.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Drive progressive, innovative design solutions aligned with client goals and AECOM’s design excellence ethos.
• Provide expert input at early design stages and maintain leadership throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure Safety in Design principles are embedded across all stages.
• Oversee materials selection, building systems, and the production of specifications.

Team & Technical Management

• Lead and mentor a high-performing architectural team within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ensure quality, accuracy, and full coordination of design documentation.
• Foster a collaborative, creative team culture with strong morale and professional development.
• Champion the use of digital technologies and cutting-edge workflows to improve design outcomes and productivity.

Project & Operational Oversight

• Organise and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Forecast and allocate resources effectively to meet project and business needs.
• Contribute to and implement AECOM’s Technical Excellence and CPD initiatives.

Client Engagement & Commercial

• Build strong client relationships and act as a key liaison with contractors, stakeholders, and government bodies.
• Support bid preparation, business development, and thought leadership (e.g., conferences, industry events).
• Ensure commercial performance, including NEC contract administration if required and designing to budget.

About You

Requirements

• Demonstrable leadership in architectural delivery within Nuclear Sector (Civil and/or Defence) and/ or other highly regulated industry.
• Proven experience delivering infrastructure projects within a multi-disciplinary consultancy.
• Skilled in design management, stakeholder negotiation, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
• Confident decision-maker with a strong understanding of project lifecycles and risk management.
• Ability to lead teams through complex challenges with foresight and technical acumen.

Preferred Capabilities

• Experience of delivering solutions to Nuclear Safety Case requirements
• Ability and experience of working in a number of different delivery models with respect to complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams, including with/ to Design and Build contractors.
• Proven track record of client management

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Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Full registration as an Architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is mandatory for this position.
• Possession of a relevant degree or professional qualification in Architecture from an accredited institution is required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice in the field of architecture, particularly within the context of nuclear facilities. The nature of this role demands a thorough understanding of architectural principles and their application in highly regulated environments.

Given the critical nature of our projects, we place significant emphasis on these qualifications to ensure the delivery of safe, innovative, and compliant architectural solutions for our nuclear sector clients.

Additional Information

You will be required to either already have SC clearance or the ability to obtain security clearance in the UK

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address [email protected]  if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.