Associate Director of Transport Planning

Posted 02 March 2026
Salary £70k - 85k per year
LocationCheltenham
Job type Permanent - Full Time
Discipline Highways, Transport & Infrastructure
ReferenceJO0000064926

Job description

Associate Director of Transport Planning
Lead complex projects. Influence strategy. Be part of a growing success story.
If you are an experienced Associate Director of Transport Planning looking for a role where you can combine technical excellence, commercial influence and team leadership, this is a genuine opportunity to step into a key position within a thriving and expanding consultancy.
You will not just be delivering projects, you will be shaping direction, mentoring high-performing professionals and playing a meaningful part in the continued growth of a successful team.
As Associate Director of Transport Planning, you will join a business with a strong reputation in development planning and transport strategy. My client has built a collaborative, ambitious environment where senior professionals are empowered to influence business decisions and drive long-term growth.
You will report directly to the Managing Director, giving you real visibility and strategic input at leadership level. In this Associate Director of Transport Planning position, you will take ownership of projects from opportunity through to completion, including contractual and commercial oversight.
You will be:
·Leading on Transport Assessments, Travel Plans, Site Access Design and Section 278/38 works
·Managing complex transport planning matters including planning appeals, local plan submissions and transport strategies
·Acting as Project Director across key schemes, providing final sign-off and direction
·Preparing and reviewing fee proposals, budgets and programmes
·Overseeing project performance to ensure delivery on time and to profit targets
·Proactively managing scope, risk and change control
·Providing technical review across modelling, CAD and reporting
·Supporting and mentoring Senior and Principal colleagues
·Chairing meetings and confidently presenting to clients and stakeholders
·Contributing to business planning and supporting the development of growth strategies
You will be instrumental in maintaining quality, driving innovation and strengthening the consultancy's market presence.
As Associate Director of Transport Planning, you will play a central role in work-winning and client management.
You will:
·Maintain and grow your own established client base
·Identify and secure new business opportunities
·Lead or contribute to marketing and networking activity
·Prepare and review high-value fee proposals and extensions
·Act as a senior point of contact for clients, architects, planners and property professionals
·Confidently manage client expectations, balancing commercial and technical priorities
·Deliver repeat business through excellent client care
Your ability to combine technical credibility with commercial awareness will be key.
 
To be successful in this Associate Director of Transport Planning role, you will demonstrate:
·A relevant degree or equivalent qualification
·Professional membership (e.g. MCIHT or similar)
·Extensive experience in transport and development planning
·A proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
·Experience leading teams and mentoring colleagues
·Strong knowledge of policy, guidance and transport consents
·Commercial awareness with the ability to manage risk and protect profit
·Confident communication skills, including public presentations
·Excellent report writing, analytical and problem-solving skills
·A background in work-winning and developing client relationships
Chartership, business development experience, project management qualifications or a relevant Masters would be advantageous.
 
This Associate Director - Transport Planning opportunity offers:
·A senior leadership role within a growing consultancy
·Strategic involvement in business planning and development
·The chance to influence policy, strategy and internal processes
·Exposure to complex, high-profile projects
·The ability to shape and develop a high-performing team
·Clear progression towards Director level
Salary is dependent on experience and reflects the seniority, responsibility and commercial impact of the role. A competitive benefits package will also be provided.
This is a full-time position with an expected utilisation of approximately 70%. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed in line with business needs.
If you are looking for an Associate Director of Transport Planning position where you can combine technical leadership, commercial influence and strategic growth within a successful and ambitious team, this is an excellent opportunity to progress your career.
 
FOOTNOTE:

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Infrastructure & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call Eve Armstrong at Carrington West on 023 9387 6062 for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.