Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development)

Technical Director / Associate – Transport Planning (Development) - Leeds

(note: London is also an option)

Lead. Grow. Make your mark.

At Mayer Brown, we are proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused transport planning solutions across the UK. We are now looking for driven and entrepreneurial transport planning leaders to further build and grow both our London and Leeds Transportation teams.

This is more than a technical role. It’s a genuine opportunity to build something, shape a regional offer, and become a key part of our growth strategy.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious Associate Transport Planner or Technical Director who is ready to:

• Establish and grow a thriving Transport Planning team
• Develop and lead a clear business strategy for London and the SE
• Build long-term, trusted relationships with private sector clients and key stakeholders
• Deliver technically robust, commercially astute advice across the full development lifecycle

You will report to a Board Director and have the autonomy to lead your own projects, shape your team, and drive business development – backed by the full support of our wider national Transport Planning and Infrastructure teams.

For the right individual, this is a platform to lead, influence and leave a legacy.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will provide multi-disciplinary transport planning advice across a diverse private sector portfolio, including:

• Pre-acquisition feasibility and due diligence
• Strategic site promotion and Local Plan representations
• Outline and detailed planning applications
• Transport Assessments and Statements
• Travel Plans
• Environmental Statement Transport Chapters
• Preliminary access and junction improvement designs
• Discharge of conditions and planning appeals

You’ll liaise daily with Local Planning Authorities, Highway Authorities, National Highways, planning consultants, architects, environmental consultants, engineers and fellow professionals – representing Mayer Brown with confidence and technical authority.

Alongside technical delivery, you will:

• Develop and implement a clear strategy for growing our Leeds team
• Identify and secure new business opportunities
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project finances
• Lead, mentor and recruit staff as the team expands
• Maintain and enhance our technical excellence in line with industry best practice

What We’re Looking For

We want a commercially astute transport planning leader with the confidence and credibility to grow a regional presence.

Essential experience and skills:

• A strong track record in private sector transport planning
• Excellent knowledge of the English planning system
• Advanced experience with industry software including:
• Junctions 9 (PICADY/ARCADY)
• LinSig
• Trip rate and connectivity data sources
• TEMPro/NTEM
• Strong analytical capability and advanced Excel skills
• Detailed knowledge of DMRB, Manual for Streets, CIHT guidance and local design standards (including 6Cs)
• Excellent report writing and technical review skills
• Proven project and financial management capability
• Staff leadership and mentoring experience
• Strong business development and client relationship skills

Desirable:

• MSc in Transport Planning or Engineering
• Chartered status (CEng, TPP or CMILT)
• Experience with VISSIM or PARAMICS
• GIS understanding /capability (e.g. ArcGIS, MapInfo, QuantumGIS)
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and vehicle tracking
• Experience working with public sector clients

Who You Are

• Entrepreneurial and proactive
• Commercially aware and results-driven
• Technically strong with attention to detail
• Confident building networks and winning work
• Comfortable leading from the front
• Motivated to grow both a team and your own career

You will have the drive to shape a business unit and the credibility to represent Mayer Brown in the marketplace.

Why Join Mayer Brown?

At Mayer Brown, we combine technical excellence with a pragmatic, client-focused approach. Our culture is built around:

• Delivering high-quality, practical solutions
• Maintaining trusted, long-term client relationships
• Encouraging collaboration across disciplines
• Investing in our people and supporting career progression

Our Transport Planning team works closely with our wider Infrastructure department, offering clients a seamless, integrated service. We pride ourselves on balanced relationships within our teams and with our clients – professional, responsive and commercially aware.

Our projects span urban extensions, city centre regeneration, strategic road network developments, commercial and industrial schemes, residential travel planning, and more. No two days are the same.

Competitive package and benefits.

Ready to Build Something?

If you are a driven transport planning professional looking for the opportunity to lead, grow a regional presence, and play a key role in the future of a respected consultancy, we would like to hear from you.

Please send your CV and details of the position you are applying for (London or Leeds), and we will be in touch.

Your leadership move starts here.