At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative transport planning projects and inspire teams to make a real impact.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in transport planning with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and involvement in high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable transport while mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in transport planning required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
You are a recognised leader in transport planning, trusted by clients and teams alike to shape, guide and deliver complex programmes that make a real difference to how people move. You bring strategic insight, technical authority and commercial awareness, and you’re as comfortable setting direction and inspiring teams as you are rolling up your sleeves on challenging projects. You enjoy working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, seeing the bigger picture while navigating the technical detail. Motivated by impact, you thrive in roles where you can influence policy, mentor future leaders, and help define the future of sustainable transport and mobility. The role is flexible in location—Dublin, Cork or Belfast—and combines hands‑on technical delivery with project leadership, client engagement and people development. There is also the opportunity for client secondments, reflecting Jacobs’ long‑standing partnerships with key organisations.
About The Opportunity
Jacobs’ Transport Planning & Mobility Solutions team is one of the most successful in Ireland and the UK, with a strong pipeline of work and a diverse public‑ and private‑sector client base. We are seeking a Senior Associate Director of Transport Planning delivering a wide range of high‑profile and innovative projects across all aspects of transport planning, including:
- Transport modelling and analytics
- Economic appraisal and business cases
- Active travel and sustainable transport
- Public transport planning
- Traffic engineering
- Policy and strategy development
Key commissions include our ongoing role on the BusConnects programme for the National Transport Authority (NTA), alongside active travel and sustainable transport schemes for Dublin City Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and other local authorities.
Responsibilities
- Providing technical and strategic leadership on major transport planning commissions
- Leading multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes for clients
- Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, shaping strategy, options and investment decisions
- Providing technical governance, review and mentoring across the transport planning discipline
- Managing project delivery, budgets, resources, quality and risk
- Contributing to business development, tenders and the growth of client accounts
- Supporting the strategic direction and future development of Jacobs’ transport planning and mobility business
Required Qualifications
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (or equivalent), with extensive experience in transport planning and a proven track record of successful project delivery
- Chartered professional (or equivalent), or working toward Chartered status, with a strong commitment to CPD (e.g., Engineers Ireland, CIHT, TPP, CEng)
- A strategic, solution‑focused mindset, with the ability to take a broad view of transport challenges and collaboratively shape options with clients and stakeholders
- Strong technical credibility combined with the ability to lead teams, set direction and provide mentoring and technical assurance
- Broad experience across transport planning specialisms, such as scheme feasibility, transport assessments, modelling, business case development, public transport and active travel
- Proven experience in project and commercial management, including programme delivery, budget control, resourcing, quality assurance and risk management
- A strong client focus, with experience developing relationships, contributing to tenders and supporting market and account growth
- A flexible and adaptable approach, with enthusiasm for innovation, new technologies and shaping the future of transport and mobility
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus aligned with senior leadership responsibilities
- Flexible working arrangements, supporting hybrid and agile ways of working
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Generous annual leave allowance, with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Paid professional membership fees and strong support for continuing professional development and chartership
- Clear pathways for career progression, with opportunities to progress within Ireland, the UK and across Jacobs’ global network
- Access to significant, high‑profile projects that shape the future of transport and mobility
- Opportunities for client secondments, reflecting our trusted partnerships with key organisations
- Inclusive, values‑led culture where diversity, collaboration and innovation are actively encouraged
EEO & Accessibility
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regard to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.
Senior Associate Director Transport Planner (Dublin / Cork / Belfast) employer: Jacobs
Jacobs is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in transport planning. With a flexible work culture across Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave, and strong support for professional development. The inclusive environment fosters collaboration and innovation, providing clear pathways for career progression while working on high-profile projects that shape the future of sustainable transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate Director Transport Planner (Dublin / Cork / Belfast)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport planning field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in transport planning. When you’re in interviews, don’t hesitate to share specific examples of how you’ve made an impact—this will demonstrate your strategic insight and technical authority.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates who might just submit their applications and wait.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready for scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would approach complex transport challenges and be prepared to discuss your thought process—this is where your strategic mindset will shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Director Transport Planner (Dublin / Cork / Belfast)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Transport Planning:Let us see your enthusiasm for transport planning in your application! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that made a real difference, and how you’ve influenced policy or mentored others in the field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to know how your background aligns with the role of Senior Associate Director and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in transport planning. Familiarise yourself with key projects like BusConnects and understand the strategic goals behind them. This will show your technical authority and commercial awareness during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and delivered high-quality outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring future leaders and how you inspire collaboration among clients and stakeholders.
✨Think Big Picture
Demonstrate your ability to see the bigger picture while navigating technical details. Discuss how you've influenced policy or shaped strategies in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's focus on sustainable transport and mobility.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just answer questions—engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
