Transport Planning Director – Manchester
A leading, multidisciplinary environmental and transport consultancy is seeking a high‑calibre Transport Planning Director to lead and grow its established Manchester‑based transport planning team.
This consultancy operates at the forefront of sustainable development, mobility strategy and decarbonisation, supporting major public and private sector clients across the UK. The transport planning team works closely with environmental, engineering and planning specialists, underpinned by a strong research and innovation capability focused on future mobility solutions.
With an existing, well‑established presence across the Midlands and North of England, the business is now looking to appoint a senior leader who can take ownership of the Manchester operation and play a key role within the national transport leadership structure.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role offering genuine autonomy and influence. You will be responsible for leading, growing and shaping the transport planning capability in Manchester, while contributing to the wider national strategy for transport and mobility planning.
You will work closely with Directors and Associate Directors across regional offices, supported by a highly experienced senior leadership team, with the mandate to grow headcount, revenues and market profile.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the Manchester-based transport planning team
- Play an active role within the national leadership team for Transport & Mobility Planning
- Win new work through existing and new client relationships
- Develop and maintain strong, long‑term client partnerships
- Recruit, mentor and develop transport planning professionals
- Promote a strong culture around health, safety and wellbeing
- Provide expert transport planning advice to support development‑led projects
- Lead and deliver complex schemes, including:
- Feasibility studies
- Local plan promotion
- Planning applications and negotiations
- Appeals and public inquiries (where required)
- Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and manage project financial performance
- Ensure CDM responsibilities are embedded within the team
- Stay at the forefront of technical, policy and legal developments
- Identify opportunities to add value across projects and disciplines
Candidate Profile
You will be a commercially minded, senior transport planner with a strong track record of work winning, team leadership and client management within the development‑led transport planning sector.
Ideal background includes:
- Proven experience leading and growing transport planning teams
- Strong private sector client network and work‑winning capability
- Sound financial and commercial management skills at project and business level
- Experience delivering and managing team budgets
- Public sector and/or DCO experience also considered
- In‑depth knowledge of planning, policy and legal frameworks
- Strong technical capability in sustainable transport strategies and modelling
- Interest in innovation and emerging transport trends
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
What’s on Offer
- Senior leadership position with genuine influence and autonomy
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Structured career framework with clear progression
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
- Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
- Opportunity to shape and grow a key regional team within a national business
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that goes beyond legislative compliance. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds, with support available throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
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