Job Title: Associate Director - Infrastructure
Location: Birmingham
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading global consultancy in their search for an experienced Associate Director to join their Infrastructure Consenting team in Birmingham.
The Opportunity
Our client, Arup, partners with clients across the transport, energy, and water sectors to plan, design, consent, and deliver major infrastructure projects. They are now seeking an Associate Director to play a pivotal role in growing their consenting capability and leading high-profile, complex projects across the UK.
This is an excellent opportunity to take a leadership position within a highly respected organisation, working on some of the most exciting infrastructure developments while shaping strategy, building client relationships, and mentoring teams.
The Role
As Associate Director, you will:
Lead the development and growth of the infrastructure consenting business
Build and maintain strong client relationships, identifying new opportunities and securing repeat work
Lead multidisciplinary teams in bidding for and delivering projects
Provide strategic direction, oversee project delivery, and ensure commercial success
Undertake quality assurance and ensure high standards across all outputs
Collaborate across internal teams to maximise integrated project delivery
Support the development and mentoring of team members within the planning and consenting function
Raise the company's profile through marketing, thought leadership, and industry engagementAbout You
You will be a driven and experienced professional with a strong track record in infrastructure planning and consenting. You should bring:
In-depth knowledge of UK infrastructure consenting legislation, including Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and relevant sector legislation (e.g. Transport and Works Act, Electricity Act)
Demonstrable experience in drafting consenting strategies, planning reports, and managing consent applications
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across bids and project delivery
Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, programme delivery, and client liaison
A successful track record of winning and delivering projects in transport, energy, or water sectors
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
Degree-level education and MRTPI (Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute) accreditationWhy Apply?
Work on nationally significant and impactful infrastructure projects
Join a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that values individuality and innovation
Take a leadership role with real influence over business growth and strategy
Enjoy a strong commitment to professional development and career progression
Contribute to meaningful projects that benefit communities and the environmentInterested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)