Senior Transport Planner – Manchester
The Opportunity
Elb Recruit is proud to represent a globally respected consultancy in their search for an experienced Senior Transport Planner to join their growing Manchester office. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented professional with 4–6 years of post-graduate experience to take a lead role in shaping transport strategy, mentoring junior team members, and influencing the delivery of high-impact transport and place-making projects across the North and wider UK.
As part of a collaborative and forward-thinking regional team, you’ll contribute to the planning and design of sustainable, data-driven transport solutions that connect communities, support economic growth, and promote low-carbon mobility.
You’ll have the chance to work on a diverse portfolio of projects, including:
* Major urban mobility and master-planning schemes (budgets typically £5–15m)
* Significant civic and office redevelopment projects (budgets around £10–20m)
* Smaller-scale transport and master-planning initiatives (budgets around £50k–£150k)
This role offers the opportunity to shape transport strategies at all scales, from strategic city-wide planning to detailed local interventions, delivering projects that make a tangible difference to communities.
The Role
In this position, you’ll be a trusted adviser to clients and colleagues alike — leading work-streams, managing technical outputs, and providing strategic insights. You’ll play a key role in developing business opportunities, project delivery and helping to grow the consultancy’s North regional presence across the UK and overseas.
You’ll work on a variety of projects including:
* Transport strategy and policy development
* Multi-modal transport planning (active travel, public transport, highways)
* Development planning and movement strategies
* Data analytics and spatial modelling
Key Responsibilities
* Assist or Lead project delivery and ensure the technical quality of outputs across transport planning, policy, and modelling.
* Manage client relationships and contribute to business development and bidding activities.
* Oversee and mentor junior and graduate transport planners, fostering technical excellence and career growth.
* Integrate data analytics, spatial mapping (ArcGIS Pro / QGIS), and modelling tools into project delivery.
* Provide expert insight into transport policy and investment frameworks at local, regional, and national levels.
* Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including engineers, urban designers, economists, and planners to deliver cohesive, people-focused transport solutions.
About You
* Ideally 4-6yrs in transport planning, policy, or strategy – ideally gained within a consultancy or public-sector environment.
* A proven track record of successfully managing complex transport projects and delivering high-quality outcomes.
* Strong analytical capability with experience in data interpretation, visualisation, and evidence-based decision-making.
* Confidence working with clients, stakeholders, and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Working knowledge of transport tools, modelling software, and relevant guidance (e.g. TAG, DMRB, LTN 1/20).
* Skilled communicator, capable of writing concise reports and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent) in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related field.
* Chartered or working towards professional accreditation (e.g. CIHT, TPS, ICE, CEng, or TPP).
* Additional postgraduate or professional qualifications are advantageous.
What’s in It for You
This consultancy offers a progressive, people-focused culture and the chance to work on trans-formative projects that shape how people move and live. You’ll enjoy:
* Competitive salary and annual profit share.
* Private medical insurance, life assurance, and income protection.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* A comprehensive benefits package supporting health, well-being, and lifestyle.
* Access to world-class professional development and leadership training.
* The opportunity to make a tangible impact on transport innovation across the North and beyond.
If you’re interested in this role, simply click ‘Apply’. To learn more about transport planning opportunities — in both development and public sectors — please contact Pete at Elb Recruit.