Transport Planning & Work Winning-Associate Director in Edinburgh

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup’s Transport Planning teams work at the heart of major infrastructure, regeneration and mobility projects across the UK and globally. We bring together planners, transport strategists, economists, modellers and designers to help cities, regions and organisations deliver more inclusive, sustainable and resilient transport systems. In Scotland, our team works across Edinburgh, Glasgow and the wider North Geography, supporting public bodies, city regions, developers and infrastructure operators. We advise across the full project lifecycle — from early strategy, business case and scheme development through to design, delivery and asset planning.

With major investment, devolution‑led opportunities and regeneration programmes underway, this is an exceptional moment to shape transport’s role in creating thriving places. As part of Arup’s strategic vision for 2025–2030, we are looking for a Transport Planning and Work‑Winning Leader to help us grow our footprint across Scotland and the wider UKIMEA Region. This role is unique in its blend of strategic leadership, transport planning expertise and market‑facing responsibility. You will develop and strengthen client relationships, position Arup for the most exciting and transformational opportunities, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful, people‑focused outcomes. You will shape how we respond to Scotland’s evolving transport and devolution landscape — from mass transit and urban regeneration to active travel, mobility strategies and infrastructure investment.

A typical week could include meeting with city‑region clients, shaping bids for major projects, overseeing strategic transport studies, contributing to multidisciplinary design teams, or supporting colleagues across the UKIMEA Transport Planning Service Line. You will also play a key role in mentoring and developing talent, simplifying our ways of working, and championing collaboration across Arup’s global network.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Strong leadership experience in transport planning, transport strategy or major infrastructure planning, ideally with exposure to urban mass transit or regeneration‑led projects.
• A proven record of work winning, client engagement and market development, particularly within public‑sector and city‑region contexts.
• Deep understanding of Scotland’s devolved landscape, regional regeneration agendas, and the transport policy environment.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence across portfolios and work seamlessly across planning, design and infrastructure groups.
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with experience setting direction, securing major wins and delivering strong project performance.
• A collaborative, growth‑oriented mindset, with the ability to generate new opportunities and nurture existing relationships.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills, across public, private and investor‑led sectors.

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all.

Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Closing Date: 19.05.2026. We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.