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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential:

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

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

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

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