Transport Planning Director – Manchester A leading, multidisciplinary environmental and transport consultancy is seeking a high‑calibre Transport Planning Director to lead and grow its established Manchester‑based transport planning team.
This consultancy operates at the forefront of sustainable development, mobility strategy and decarbonisation, supporting major public and private sector clients across the UK. The transport planning team works closely with environmental, engineering and planning specialists, underpinned by a strong research and innovation capability focused on future mobility solutions.
With an existing, well‑established presence across the Midlands and North of England, the business is now looking to appoint a senior leader who can take ownership of the Manchester operation and play a key role within the national transport leadership structure.
The Opportunity This is a senior leadership role offering genuine autonomy and influence. You will be responsible for leading, growing and shaping the transport planning capability in Manchester, while contributing to the wider national strategy for transport and mobility planning.
You will work closely with Directors and Associate Directors across regional offices, supported by a highly experienced senior leadership team, with the mandate to grow headcount, revenues and market profile.
Key Responsibilities Lead and grow the Manchester-based transport planning team
Play an active role within the national leadership team for Transport & Mobility Planning
Win new work through existing and new client relationships
Develop and maintain strong, long‑term client partnerships
Recruit, mentor and develop transport planning professionals
Promote a strong culture around health, safety and wellbeing
Provide expert transport planning advice to support development‑led projects
Lead and deliver complex schemes, including:
Feasibility studies
Local plan promotion
Planning applications and negotiations
Appeals and public inquiries (where required)
Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and manage project financial performance
Ensure CDM responsibilities are embedded within the team
Stay at the forefront of technical, policy and legal developments
Identify opportunities to add value across projects and disciplines
Candidate Profile You will be a commercially minded, senior transport planner with a strong track record of work winning, team leadership and client management within the development‑led transport planning sector.
Ideal background includes: Proven experience leading and growing transport planning teams
Strong private sector client network and work‑winning capability
Sound financial and commercial management skills at project and business level
Experience delivering and managing team budgets
Public sector and/or DCO experience also considered
In‑depth knowledge of planning, policy and legal frameworks
Strong technical capability in sustainable transport strategies and modelling
Interest in innovation and emerging transport trends
Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
What’s on Offer Senior leadership position with genuine influence and autonomy
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Structured career framework with clear progression
Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
Opportunity to shape and grow a key regional team within a national business
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that goes beyond legislative compliance. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds, with support available throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
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