Job Title: Senior Associate Director – Transport Planning (Development Planning)
Location: West Yorkshire
Reports to: Director / Partner
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Senior Associate Director to play a key leadership role within our Transport Planning team, with a focus on development planning. This role combines technical excellence, project leadership, and business development, supporting the delivery of complex development schemes across a range of sectors.
You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, lead multidisciplinary project teams, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the transport planning practice.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the delivery of complex transport planning projects, particularly in support of residential, commercial, mixed-use, and strategic developments
- Oversee the preparation and review of key technical documents, including Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans, and Environmental Statement chapters
- Provide expert advice on access strategies, trip generation, junction capacity, and sustainable transport solutions
- Act as project director on major commissions, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget control
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, landowners, local authorities, and other key stakeholders
- Represent clients in meetings, public consultations, and at planning committees where required
- Negotiate with highway authorities and statutory consultees to secure planning approvals
Business Development
- Support and lead business development activities, including identifying new opportunities, preparing fee proposals, and contributing to bids and tenders
- Leverage existing networks and develop new client relationships to grow the development planning portfolio
- Contribute to the strategic growth of the transport planning team
Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to junior and mid-level staff
- Support recruitment, training, and professional development within the team
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
Technical Excellence
- Maintain a strong understanding of relevant planning and transport policy, design standards, and industry best practice
- Provide strategic input into site promotion and planning strategy
- Ensure all outputs meet high technical and professional standards
Key Requirements
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related discipline
- Chartered or working towards chartership (e.g. CEng, CIHT, or equivalent)
- Significant experience in transport planning, with a strong focus on development planning
- Proven experience leading projects and managing client relationships
Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical expertise in development planning and transport assessment
- Excellent project management and organisational skills
- Commercial awareness and ability to contribute to business growth
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
Desirable Attributes
- Experience acting as an expert witness or supporting planning appeals
- Strong knowledge of UK planning policy and guidance (e.g. NPPF, local plans)
- Familiarity with transport modelling tools (e.g. Junctions software, LinSig, TRICS)
- Established professional network within the development sector
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and discretionary bonus
- Clear pathway to Director-level progression
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Support for professional development and chartership
- Opportunity to work on high-profile and complex development projects