At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead traffic, highways, and sustainable transport projects while building strong client relationships.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leader in sustainable transport and traffic engineering.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's transport landscape and drive innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in traffic engineering and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
The Streets Scotland team has a vacancy in our Edinburgh OR Glasgow office for a Principal OR Associate Director with experience in leading traffic, highways, and sustainable transport projects, and with a strong track record in work winning and client leadership. The successful candidate will share our ethos of delivering impactful, practical solutions and providing high‑quality service across Scotland’s public sector clients. This role will support the continued growth of our Scotland business by strengthening existing client relationships and building new ones across multiple local authorities and national agencies.
The Streets Scotland team delivers feasibility, concept, preliminary and detailed design, community engagement, project delivery and construction‑stage support across a wide range of transport and public‑realm projects. These include active travel, public transport priority, junction and corridor improvements, road safety, and wider placemaking initiatives. You will be joining a collaborative, supportive team recognised for leadership in sustainable transport and traffic engineering across Scotland.
Here’s what we’re looking for: This role is ideal for a self‑motivated individual looking to further develop their leadership impact at a regional level. In addition to delivering work within Scotland, the role involves close collaboration with teams across the UK & Ireland business and regular interaction with our EC colleagues in India.
Key responsibilities and requirements:- Client Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with Scottish local authorities, regional partnerships, and national agencies. Stay alert to commercial opportunities, identify emerging needs, and develop strategies to position AECOM effectively in the Scottish market.
- Work Winning: Lead and contribute to bids for Scotland‑based frameworks and commissions, including Scotland Excel, City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland, and other local clients. Prepare detailed proposals, fee submissions, and client briefs aligned with local frameworks and procurement processes. Support both regional and UK‑wide business development objectives. Act as Project Director and Project Manager following accreditation on AECOM’s project management system. Oversee project performance, commercial delivery, programme, and risk management across a portfolio of Scottish projects. Ensure compliance with AECOM project governance standards (training will be provided).
- Technical Leadership: Lead the technical development, direction, and quality of work outputs across complex traffic, transport, and sustainable infrastructure projects. Promote innovation, best practice, and quality assurance across the Streets Scotland discipline.
- Team Management: Act as a committed and proactive Line Manager, supporting the development and progression of team members in Glasgow and across Scotland. Identify and support upskilling needs to align with emerging Scottish policy and technical requirements. Support the leadership of the Streets Scotland team and deputise for senior managers as required. Play an active role in recruitment and talent development to grow the capability and capacity of the Scottish team.
- Internal Relationship Building: Build strong working relationships across AECOM’s disciplines, including Environment, Transport Planning, Bridges, and Cost Consultancy. Work closely with our EC team in India, ensuring clear communication, consistent quality, and effective programme integration.
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? A strong track record in managing and delivering traffic engineering, sustainable transport, and highway design projects, ideally within the Scottish public‑sector context. Proven experience in leading bids and proposals, including framework‑based opportunities. Demonstrable leadership skills with experience growing and managing high‑performing teams. Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent AECOM confidently with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Chartered in a relevant Institution.
We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you! We are a DisabilityConfidentEmployer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the DisabilityConfidentInterview Scheme. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Associate Director - Active travel, Highway & Traffic engineering employer: AECO
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises innovation and quality in sustainable transport and traffic engineering. Located in Glasgow, employees benefit from a hybrid work model, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to lead impactful projects that shape Scotland's public sector landscape. With a commitment to diversity and employee development, AECOM fosters an environment where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Active travel, Highway & Traffic engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work in traffic engineering and sustainable transport projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like AECOM, and express your interest. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land a job.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in client relationship building and project management, as these are key for roles like Associate Director.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Active travel, Highway & Traffic engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in traffic, highways, and sustainable transport projects. We want to see how your skills align with our ethos of delivering impactful solutions!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leadership, don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECO
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of traffic engineering, sustainable transport, and highway design. Familiarise yourself with recent projects AECOM has worked on in Scotland, as well as the local authorities and agencies they collaborate with. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Build Relationships
Since client relationship building is key for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to forge strong connections. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with clients or stakeholders, especially in a public-sector context.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams, leading projects, and driving innovation. Highlight any specific instances where you've developed team members or improved project outcomes through effective leadership.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to traffic and transport projects. Brush up on best practices, quality assurance, and innovative solutions in the field. Being able to articulate your technical expertise will set you apart and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
