Associate Director (Transport)

Job Title: Associate Director – Transport (Development Planning)

Location: London

Reports To: Director of Transport / Planning

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially aware Associate Director to lead and grow our Transport Development Planning offer. This role focuses on delivering high-quality transport planning advice to support development projects across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, mixed-use, and infrastructure schemes.

You will play a key role in project delivery, client relationship management, and business development, while providing strategic direction and technical oversight to a growing team.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the preparation and review of Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans, and Environmental Transport chapters.
• Provide strategic transport advice to support planning applications, appeals, and site promotions.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary project teams to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Act as technical sign-off for key reports and client deliverables.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Represent clients in meetings, public consultations, and hearings where required.
• Provide clear, commercially focused advice aligned with client objectives.

Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities within the development planning sector.
• Prepare fee proposals, tender submissions, and framework applications.
• Contribute to the growth strategy of the transport planning team.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level staff.
• Support recruitment and team expansion.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.

Strategic Input

• Contribute to the wider business strategy and service innovation.
• Stay informed on planning policy, transport trends, and regulatory changes.
• Promote sustainable and integrated transport solutions in development planning.

Requirements

Essential:

• Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related field.
• Significant experience in transport planning, with a focus on development planning.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy and transport guidance.
• Proven experience managing projects and client relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

• Chartered status (e.g., CEng, CIHT, TPS, or equivalent).
• Experience acting as an expert witness at planning appeals.
• Established client network and track record in winning work.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
• Leadership and team development
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective stakeholder engagement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and grow a key service area
• Clear pathway to Director-level progression
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package