Associate / Associate Director in Newcastle upon Tyne

Join SYSTRA UK & Ireland as an Associate / Associate Director and be part of a global team designing and delivering mass transit solutions for over 50 million people daily.

We are committed to creating, improving and modernising transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our work. With more than 10,300 colleagues worldwide and around 1,000 in the UK & Ireland, we are looking for a leader who can advance engineering design, build client relationships and grow our infrastructure team.

Context

The role can be based in Newcastle or Leeds, offering a mix of office‑based collaboration and flexible work‑from‑home options.

Responsibilities

• Act as Project Manager/Director for transport infrastructure design projects.
• Manage schemes with full control over budgets.
• Lead staff through outline, preliminary and detailed design phases.
• Provide client‑facing leadership and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Oversee contract document preparation, tender processes and construction phases.
• Guarantee technical accuracy and compliance with relevant standards.
• Produce scheme deliverables and review technical documents.
• Support bids and tenders through expressions of interest.
• Mentor and develop staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Collaborate with Sector Directors to secure new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree and substantial experience at a design consultancy.
• Chartered Engineer (ICE or CIHT) required.
• Strong client relationship building skills.
• Experience in highway design, active travel, urban traffic management, public realm enhancement.
• Proven record in Project Management, tendering and award processes.
• Proficiency with industry‑leading design software.
• Leadership experience in infrastructure development teams.
• Engineering management of major transport projects.
• Technical coordination across multi‑disciplinary design inputs.
• Knowledge of drainage and infrastructure design.
• Mentoring and capability development skills.
• Experience supporting Diversity & Inclusion projects desirable.

Why Join SYSTRA?

• Core values: Excellence, Connected Teams, Bold Leadership.
• Clear career pathways and qualification support.
• Competitive remuneration with bonus, private healthcare, electric car scheme and flexible benefits.
• Hybrid working model and dedicated flexible working policy.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Wellbeing programme, charity days and social calendar.

Application Support

If you need adjustments or financial assistance during the application or interview process, email [email protected]. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidate with a disability who meets the minimum criteria.

Even if you meet most but not all criteria, we welcome your application.