Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development) in Leeds

Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mayer Brown Ltd.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and grow a dynamic Transport Planning team while delivering innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join Mayer Brown, a respected consultancy known for high-quality transport planning.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package, career progression, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Other info: Diverse projects and a supportive environment for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of transport planning and make a real impact in your community.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in transport planning and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

At Mayer Brown, we are proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused transport planning solutions across the UK. We are now looking for driven and entrepreneurial transport planning leaders to further build and grow both our London and Leeds Transportation teams.

This is more than a technical role. It’s a genuine opportunity to build something, shape a regional offer, and become a key part of our growth strategy.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious Associate Transport Planner or Technical Director who is ready to:

  • Establish and grow a thriving Transport Planning team
  • Develop and lead a clear business strategy for London and the SE
  • Build long-term, trusted relationships with private sector clients and key stakeholders
  • Deliver technically robust, commercially astute advice across the full development lifecycle

You will report to a Board Director and have the autonomy to lead your own projects, shape your team, and drive business development – backed by the full support of our wider national Transport Planning and Infrastructure teams. For the right individual, this is a platform to lead, influence and leave a legacy.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will provide multi-disciplinary transport planning advice across a diverse private sector portfolio, including:

  • Pre-acquisition feasibility and due diligence
  • Strategic site promotion and Local Plan representations
  • Outline and detailed planning applications
  • Transport Assessments and Statements
  • Travel Plans
  • Environmental Statement Transport Chapters
  • Preliminary access and junction improvement designs
  • Discharge of conditions and planning appeals

You’ll liaise daily with Local Planning Authorities, Highway Authorities, National Highways, planning consultants, architects, environmental consultants, engineers and fellow professionals – representing Mayer Brown with confidence and technical authority.

Alongside technical delivery, you will:

  • Develop and implement a clear strategy for growing our Leeds team
  • Identify and secure new business opportunities
  • Prepare fee proposals and manage project finances
  • Lead, mentor and recruit staff as the team expands
  • Maintain and enhance our technical excellence in line with industry best practice

What We’re Looking For

We want a commercially astute transport planning leader with the confidence and credibility to grow a regional presence.

Essential experience and skills:

  • A strong track record in private sector transport planning
  • Excellent knowledge of the English planning system
  • Advanced experience with industry software including: Junctions 9 (PICADY/ARCADY), LinSig, Trip rate and connectivity data sources, TEMPro/NTEM
  • Strong analytical capability and advanced Excel skills
  • Detailed knowledge of DMRB, Manual for Streets, CIHT guidance and local design standards (including 6Cs)
  • Excellent report writing and technical review skills
  • Proven project and financial management capability
  • Staff leadership and mentoring experience
  • Strong business development and client relationship skills

Desirable:

  • MSc in Transport Planning or Engineering
  • Chartered status (CEng, TPP or CMILT)
  • Experience with VISSIM or PARAMICS
  • GIS understanding/capability (e.g. ArcGIS, MapInfo, QuantumGIS)
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and vehicle tracking
  • Experience working with public sector clients

Who You Are

  • Entrepreneurial and proactive
  • Commercially aware and results-driven
  • Technically strong with attention to detail
  • Confident building networks and winning work
  • Comfortable leading from the front
  • Motivated to grow both a team and your own career

You will have the drive to shape a business unit and the credibility to represent Mayer Brown in the marketplace.

Why Join Mayer Brown?

At Mayer Brown, we combine technical excellence with a pragmatic, client-focused approach. Our culture is built around:

  • Delivering high-quality, practical solutions
  • Maintaining trusted, long-term client relationships
  • Encouraging collaboration across disciplines
  • Investing in our people and supporting career progression

Our Transport Planning team works closely with our wider Infrastructure department, offering clients a seamless, integrated service. We pride ourselves on balanced relationships within our teams and with our clients – professional, responsive and commercially aware.

Our projects span urban extensions, city centre regeneration, strategic road network developments, commercial and industrial schemes, residential travel planning, and more. No two days are the same.

Competitive package and benefits.

Ready to Build Something?

If you are a driven transport planning professional looking for the opportunity to lead, grow a regional presence, and play a key role in the future of a respected consultancy, we would like to hear from you. Please send your CV and details of the position you are applying for (London or Leeds), and we will be in touch. Your leadership move starts here.

Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development) in Leeds employer: Mayer Brown Ltd.

Mayer Brown is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where transport planning professionals can thrive and make a significant impact. With a strong focus on career progression, collaboration, and technical excellence, employees are empowered to lead projects and shape the future of the Leeds and London teams. The company fosters a culture of trust and support, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while working on diverse and exciting projects.

Mayer Brown Ltd.

Contact Details:

Mayer Brown Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development) in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to meet potential employers and other professionals in transport planning. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself and share your passion for the field!

Tip Number 2

Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Share articles, comment on posts, and connect with key players in the transport planning sector. This will help you build your online presence and attract attention from recruiters.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in terms of business development and team leadership. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Director /Associate - Transport Planning (Development) in Leeds

Transport Planning
Business Strategy Development
Client Relationship Management
Project Management
Financial Management
Analytical Skills
Report Writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your transport planning expertise and any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you can contribute to our growth strategy!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Director/Associate role. Share your vision for growing the Leeds team and how you plan to build relationships with clients.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical prowess! Whether it's your experience with Junctions 9 or your knowledge of DMRB, we want to know how your skills will help us deliver high-quality transport planning solutions.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mayer Brown Ltd.

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to transport planning. Familiarise yourself with the English planning system, industry software like Junctions 9 and LinSig, and key guidelines such as DMRB and Manual for Streets. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for a role that demands technical authority.

Show Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a team and driving business development, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've mentored staff or successfully managed projects. Highlighting your ability to grow a team and build client relationships will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Business Development Questions

Expect questions around how you would identify and secure new business opportunities. Have a few strategies in mind that demonstrate your commercial awareness and results-driven mindset. Discussing your approach to building long-term relationships with clients will also showcase your suitability for this entrepreneurial role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company's growth strategy and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if Mayer Brown is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to collaboration across disciplines or how they support career progression.