Associate Partner Transport Planner in Leeds

You will be working for one of the UK's largest independent transport planning consultancies with offices across the UK. The company is committed to helping their clients find effective, innovative solutions to complex transport challenges, while fostering a collaborative and supportive internal culture where people can thrive. As an Associate Partner, you will oversee multiple large-scale projects, act as a trusted advisor to clients, mentor and develop teams, and contribute to the strategic growth and reputation of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large, complex transport planning projects, overseeing multiple workstreams and ensuring high-quality delivery across technical, financial, and operational aspects.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and expert transport planning advice.
• Conduct negotiations with multiple stakeholders, resolving complex issues and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks to minimise impact and maintain delivery standards.
• Provide prominent troubleshooting and guidance within the team, supporting colleagues across all aspects of project work.
• Support or act as an Expert Witness when required, providing authoritative input on technical matters (optional).
• Contribute to organisational development by participating in operational groups and practice improvement initiatives.

Other Duties

• Promote and represent the profession through webinars, seminars, conferences, and professional institution activities.
• Contribute to business growth through work-winning activities, securing repeat business, and maintaining a strong client base.
• Support the development and mentoring of senior and junior staff, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee commercial success, including WIP management, budgetary control, and aged debtor management.
• Actively participate in strategic initiatives to enhance practice reputation, operational efficiency, and service delivery.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience in development-related transport planning with a strong track record of leading large, complex projects.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIHT, TPS, CILT).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to provide guidance and support across teams.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with experience acting as a trusted advisor to senior clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to negotiate successfully with multiple parties and resolve complex challenges.
• Commercially aware with experience in business development and contributing to practice growth.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a history of mentoring and developing staff.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of delivering technical advice clearly and confidently.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience acting as an Expert Witness in planning or transport matters.
• Track record of strategic business contributions, including shaping operational practices and organisational growth.
• Proven ability to generate repeat business and cultivate a portfolio of commercial clients.
• Engagement in professional promotion activities such as conferences, seminars, and industry events.
• Knowledge of sustainability, active travel, and decarbonisation initiatives within transport planning.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + Bank holidays (increasing to 30 days with long service)
• 5% employer pension contributions (increasing to 15% with long service)
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Payment of 2 x professional subscriptions
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Critical Illness