Director - Transport Planning

We are working with a small but ambitious transport planning consultancy that’s growing organically and has a clear 10-year plan for expansion. They specialise in development transport planning for private-sector clients, delivering transport assessments, travel plans, and access strategies that help developments gain consent. They’re now looking to appoint an Associate to Director level Transport Planner, someone with strong technical skills, private-sector experience, and the drive to grow with the business. This is a rare opportunity to join a close-knit consultancy, lead exciting development projects, and have a real influence on the company’s future direction.

Role overview

You will lead and deliver development transport planning work, build client relationships, mentor junior staff and contribute to business development and practice strategy. The role is flexible in seniority: we will consider strong Associates ready to take the next step, experienced Senior Associates, and established Directors looking to join a growing consultancy with scope to shape the business.

At Director level you will have P&L awareness, lead bids, manage major clients and help set our 10-year growth direction.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and deliver transport assessments (TS, TA, transport statements), travel plans, TA addenda and supporting documents for planning submissions.
• Produce and review modelling, junction design and capacity assessments (including local junctions, roundabouts, and strategic modelling where required).
• Prepare robust planning evidence: statements, rebuttals, appeal support and technical appendices.
• Manage client relationships and be the primary client contact on major projects.
• Win work: prepare bids, proposals and fee estimates; support and lead business development activities.
• Mentor and line-manage junior staff; help grow technical capability and CPD.
• Liaise with highways authorities, statutory consultees and stakeholders during pre-app and planning stages.
• Ensure technical quality, commercial control and timely delivery across a mixed caseload.
• At senior levels: contribute to business strategy, financial targets, recruitment and the 10-year growth plan.

Skills & experience -

• Significant experience in development transport planning.
• Associate: c. 6+ years relevant experience.
• Senior Associate: c. 8–12 years.
• Director: 12+ years with leadership responsibility.
• Proven track record preparing transport assessments/statements and travel plans for private-sector developments (residential, mixed-use, retail, industrial, logistics, or similar).
• Strong technical skills: site assessments, junction capacity work, modelling interpretation and use of industry data sources (e.g. TRICS, TEMPRO). Familiarity with junction modelling packages and strategic modelling tools is desirable.
• Clear written and oral communication with experience producing planning-grade reports and presenting to clients and local authorities.
• Experience dealing with highways authorities and statutory consultees and with the UK planning process (preferred).
• Commercial awareness — fee estimating, project financial control, client management.
• Leadership & people development skills — mentoring and building teams.
• Chartered or working towards chartership desirable (e.g. CIHT / Transport Planning Professional or equivalent).
• Degree in transport planning, civil engineering, or related discipline; MSc or postgraduate qualification desirable.