Associate Director - Town Planning in Chesterfield

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Due to significant infrastructure planning wins and new opportunities, we are looking to bring in an Associate Director to work with the leadership team in managing and growing our planning consents team. Based from our offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Chesterfield, Leeds, London Aldgate, or Manchester, with an option for hybrid working. You will be able to work on a range of prestigious infrastructure projects for our clients in the energy transition, rail and water development sectors, as well as a range of regional and local developments.

AECOM is a market leader in UK infrastructure development, with experience of over 80 DCO projects. Join us now and you could be working on:

• numerous solar DCOs with a pipeline of future work;
• carbon capture and storage projects;
• energy transmission schemes;
• large aviation and rail projects;
• housing and mixed-use development consenting.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Manage and grow our planning consents service.
• Provide line management and mentorship to junior team members.
• Lead major development applications, including the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
• Offer strategic planning advice to both clients and internal teams.
• Ensure projects are delivered successfully on budget and within programme timelines.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless project execution.
• Oversee the deliverables produced by the planning consents team.
• Implement and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles.
• Contribute to the business development strategy, nurturing client relationships.
• Lead the preparation of commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.

AECOM’s rapidly growing Town Planning team plays a key role in delivering major infrastructure and development projects. AECOM is a top ten UK planning consultancy by size, employing more than 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners.

Qualifications:

• Significant relevant experience of leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects across a range of consenting regimes.
• Client focus, with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative working approach.
• Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
• A business development mindset, with demonstrable experience of work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• High level of commitment to quality.
• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline, and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.

At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. Come grow with us.