Associate Director - Infrastructure Planning in Manchester

We are recruiting for an Associate Director – Infrastructure Planning. Are you an experienced infrastructure planner looking to play a leading role in some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects? Our Infrastructure Planning team specialises in the planning, assessment and consenting of large-scale infrastructure projects across the UK. We provide strategic planning and EIA advice and manage consenting processes for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008, Developments of National Significance (DNS) in Wales and Section 36 Electricity Act projects in Scotland.

As an Associate Director, you'll play a key leadership role in delivering complex projects across a range of infrastructure sectors, while developing strong client relationships and supporting the continued growth of our national Infrastructure Planning team. The team operates nationally, with current project experience spanning renewable and low-carbon energy, solar, airports, ports, nuclear and highways. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced infrastructure planning professional with a strong understanding of major infrastructure consenting regimes, particularly Development Consent Orders (DCOs), to take a leading role in high-profile projects and help shape the future of UK infrastructure.

About The Role:

• Leading the planning and consenting elements of major infrastructure projects, including DCOs and other relevant consenting regimes.
• Providing strategic planning, consenting and EIA advice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Managing complex planning projects, ensuring delivery to programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to clients and developing strong, long-term client relationships.
• Leading project teams and working collaboratively with colleagues across planning, EIA and other technical disciplines.
• Supporting business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals and contributing to client presentations.
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring less experienced colleagues.
• Keeping up to date with changes to planning policy, legislation and consenting regimes.
• Working nationally and travelling as required to support projects, clients and teams.

Your Impact:

You'll have the opportunity to influence some of the UK's most important infrastructure projects, helping clients navigate complex planning and consenting processes and delivering solutions that support sustainable growth. You'll contribute to the continued growth and development of our Infrastructure Planning capability, while working alongside experienced planners, environmental specialists and technical experts across a truly multidisciplinary consultancy. At Associate Director level, you'll also play an important role in developing our people, strengthening client relationships and supporting our ambitious growth plans across the UK & Ireland.

About You:

We're looking for an experienced infrastructure planning professional who combines strong technical knowledge with the confidence to lead projects, build relationships and support business growth. You'll have:

• MRTPI qualification or equivalent, with significant experience in major infrastructure planning, consenting or energy projects.
• A proven track record of leading and managing complex planning projects, including DCOs or other major infrastructure consenting regimes.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the UK planning and infrastructure consenting landscape.
• Experience providing strategic planning and consenting advice to clients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage complex workloads, programmes and competing priorities.
• A proactive, commercially aware and results-oriented approach.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring, supporting or leading other professionals.
• A willingness to travel nationally as required.

Why Join Us:

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024. We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE. We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network. Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK & Ireland - we want you to be part of it! Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more. Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

About Stantec:

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.