Renewables Transport Consulting Director (Director Level) in Manchester

ERM is seeking an experienced Transport Director to lead and grow our Transport & Access capability across the Renewables, Energy and Major Infrastructure sectors. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, technical excellence, project delivery oversight and business development support for transport-related services, with a particular focus on onshore and offshore wind, grid infrastructure, hydrogen, battery energy storage systems and major consenting projects.

The role will play a critical function in supporting clients through site selection, feasibility, environmental assessment, planning consent and construction delivery, ensuring that transport and access risks are identified and managed early in the project lifecycle.

This position will lead multidisciplinary teams delivering transport assessments, abnormal load route assessments, turbine delivery route studies, construction traffic management strategies, swept path analysis and access design solutions for complex renewable energy developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the technical authority for transport and access workstreams across renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
  • Lead the preparation and quality review of: Transport Assessments (TA), Transport Statements (TS), Construction Traffic Management Plans (CTMP), Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP), Abnormal Load Route Assessments (ALRA), Turbine Delivery Route (TDR) Studies, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) transport chapters, DCO and Section 36 transport submissions.
  • Provide strategic advice on transport constraints, access feasibility and consenting risks during project development and investment decision-making.
  • Act as Expert Witness where required at planning appeals, public inquiries and examinations.
• Renewables Transport & Access Expertise
  • Lead transport inputs for onshore and offshore wind developments, solar farms, BESS projects, hydrogen infrastructure and transmission projects.
  • Oversee feasibility and delivery assessments for wind turbine blade transportation, including: Route identification and optimisation, Port-to-site logistics strategies, Horizontal and vertical clearance assessments, Junction modifications, Third-party land requirements, Bridge and structural constraint reviews, Stakeholder engagement with highways authorities, police escorts and hauliers.
  • Provide strategic direction on abnormal load vehicle movements associated with turbine blades, towers, nacelles and transformers.
• Swept Path Analysis & Routing
  • Lead the delivery and quality assurance of swept path analyses using industry-standard tools including Autodesk Vehicle Tracking and AutoTrack.
  • Develop innovative routing solutions for wind turbine blades up to 85m+ and associated abnormal loads.
  • Review route geometry, pinch points, site entrances and access tracks to determine feasibility and required mitigation measures.
  • Direct route optioneering studies and transport risk assessments supporting project development and planning applications.
  • Ensure robust analysis of: Horizontal clearance, Vertical clearance, Junction negotiation, Visibility splays, Temporary road modifications, Construction access strategies.
  • Drive best practice methodologies for turbine delivery route modelling and logistics planning.
• Business Development & Client Leadership
  • Lead business development activities across renewable energy clients, developers, investors and infrastructure promoters.
  • Build and manage relationships with key strategic clients.
  • Develop transport and access service offerings that support ERM's growth across the renewables sector.
  • Lead major proposal submissions and framework opportunities.
  • Identify opportunities for cross-selling environmental, engineering and project management services.
• Team Leadership
  • Build and lead a high-performing Transport & Access team.
  • Mentor and develop Transport Planners and Engineers.
  • Establish technical standards, guidance notes and quality assurance processes.
  • Promote innovation, digital solutions and automation to improve delivery efficiency.

Candidate Profile

• Essential Experience
  • Experience delivering transport and infrastructure consultancy services.
  • Significant experience in renewable energy development, particularly wind energy projects.
  • Strong understanding of UK and Ireland planning and consenting regimes.
  • Extensive experience leading transport inputs to EIAs, DCOs and major infrastructure planning applications.
  • Proven experience undertaking or reviewing: Turbine Delivery Route assessments, Abnormal Load Route Assessments, Swept Path Analysis, Construction Traffic Management Plans.
  • Demonstrable track record of winning and delivering major consultancy projects.
• Technical Skills
  • Expert knowledge of: DMRB, Manual for Streets, Transport Assessment guidance, Renewable energy transport best practice.
  • Advanced capability in: Autodesk Vehicle Tracking, AutoTrack, AutoCAD, GIS platforms.
  • Strong understanding of large infrastructure logistics and abnormal load transportation.
• Qualifications
  • Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography or related discipline.
  • Chartered status (CIHT, ICE or equivalent).
  • Postgraduate qualification desirable.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we're here to support you.

Location: London, United Kingdom; Manchester, United Kingdom; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Cardiff, United Kingdom

Type: Full time