At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative transport planning projects and engage with clients to deliver sustainable solutions.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leader in transport planning with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformative transport projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in transport planning with strong leadership and client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Associate Director – Planning and Development role is a leadership position focused on delivering innovative and sustainable transport solutions for our clients in both the public and private sectors. We’re looking to build our presence in the Northwest region and this is an exciting opportunity for a new team leader to join us and be at the centre of this growth.
Responsibilities include leadership, client engagement, project delivery, business development, and team development. Our Northwest offices have an established track record of successfully delivering Transport Planning projects and work collaboratively with other disciplines from Streets and Technology, Highways, Aviation, Ports, Rail, Energy, Defence and Environmental sectors. The team workload ranges from feasibility studies, preliminary design and assessment through to coordination with wider teams to ensure successful delivery on-site.
When joining AECOM you’ll get involved in some of the most formative transport planning projects across the UK+I, including Old Trafford Regeneration proposals, New Towns development, major mixed‑use residential developments, Development Consent Orders and Planning Policy development for a range of clients in the UK and beyond. The role will suit a self‑motivated individual who is aspiring to take a lead role in client engagement and manage dynamic teams delivering high quality projects covering:
- Masterplanning feasibility studies and due diligence
- Transport Assessment, Statements and Travel Plans
- Construction Traffic Management Plans, Delivery Management Strategies, Car Parking Strategies, Access & Movement Strategies
- Transportation studies covering all modes including active travel and passenger priority schemes
- Collaborative working across multi‑disciplinary major projects
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives to grow the transport planning and consulting practice. Align team objectives with AECOM’s broader business goals, ensuring integration across disciplines. Demonstrate proven work‑winning, project management and team management abilities with excellent client relations.
- Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, including public sector agencies and private sector stakeholders. Provide strategic advice to clients, ensuring their goals are met with innovative and sustainable solutions. Represent AECOM at client meetings, industry events and conferences, enhancing the company’s reputation as a leader in transport planning.
- Project Delivery: Manage the delivery of transport planning inputs into development projects, ensuring high levels of client and stakeholder engagement. Provide technical oversight and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Manage project risks, develop mitigation strategies and ensure successful outcomes.
- Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the transport planning sector. Lead the preparation of bids and proposals, ensuring they align with client needs and AECOM’s strategic priorities. Collaborate with other business lines to secure and deliver multidisciplinary projects.
- Team Development: Recruit, mentor and develop a high‑performing team of transport planners and consultants. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement within the team. Promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive and equitable workplace.
Qualifications
- Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning or a related field.
- Membership in professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) or Transport Planning Society (TPS).
- 12+ years of experience in transport planning, with a proven track record in winning work and leading teams.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Good client network with established industry relationships.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to manage complex transport planning projects and deliver results.
- Strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of transport planning principles, policies and regulations in the UK&I region.
- Expertise in Development Planning with sector specific insights.
- Ability to interface with design teams in scheme development.
- Understanding of the technical requirements of major private and public clients, future growth opportunities and pathways to successful planning outcomes.
- Proficiency in commonly used transport planning tools and software.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Associate Director - Transport Development Planning in Manchester employer: AECO
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive environment, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on sustainable transport solutions. Join us to be part of exciting projects that shape the future of transport planning while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid work model and a diverse team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Transport Development Planning in Manchester
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like AECO.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by AECO. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Transport Development Planning in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at AECO, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at AECO and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into AECO. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECO
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at AECO.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to AECO.
