Associate Director

Strata Consulting; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid options

Career progression

Job summary

Strata Consulting seeks an experienced Associate Director – Highway Engineering to lead a diverse portfolio of traffic, active travel, public realm, and highway projects in the UK. The role involves technical leadership, project management, and client relationship development across multidisciplinary schemes.

You will drive design quality, mentor teams, and seek new commercial opportunities while collaborating with colleagues to deliver integrated solutions and support growth in highways and

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status desirable.
• Proven consultancy background delivering highway design projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of traffic, active travel, public realm, and highway projects from concept to detailed design.
• Act as Project Director/Project Manager, monitor financials and KPIs.
• Review designs and reports for compliance with standards and briefs.
• Mentor engineers and designers to build capability.
• Develop client relationships and pursue new opportunities.
• Prepare proposals, briefs, and fee submissions; contribute to bids.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Chartered Engineer status desirable

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

BIM

3D modelling

Job description

Associate Director – Highway Engineering

About the Organisation

We are an independent, employee-owned international consultancy providing engineering, design, and advisory services across the built environment and infrastructure sectors. Our work is purpose-driven and focused on creating positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

With a long heritage in delivering high-quality engineering solutions, we work with public and private sector clients on complex and meaningful projects that shape cities, improve mobility, and support sustainable growth. Our culture is collaborative, professional, and supportive — enabling our people to do their best work while continuing to learn and develop.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Director – Highway Engineering to lead and oversee the delivery of a diverse portfolio of traffic, active travel, public realm, and highway engineering projects in the UK.

You will provide technical leadership and project management across multidisciplinary schemes, manage key client relationships, and play a central role in growing and strengthening our highways and transport advisory capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of traffic, active travel, public realm, and highway / infrastructure engineering projects from concept through to detailed design.
• Act as Project Director and Project Manager, monitoring financial performance and key performance indicators.
• Review and approve technical designs, drawings, and reports, ensuring compliance with project briefs and relevant standards.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to engineers and designers, supporting team capability and professional development.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in design processes, staying up to date with best practice and emerging technologies.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying and realising new commercial opportunities.
• Prepare proposals, client briefs, and fee submissions; contribute to or lead bids.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Participate in professional groups, industry forums, and thought leadership activities.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong consultancy background with proven experience delivering highway design projects in the City of London and Westminster, including knowledge of local authority processes, constraints, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience with Section 278 and Section 38 highway approvals.
• Experience in public realm and streetscape design, including integration with urban design and placemaking principles.
• Strong technical knowledge of highway design standards and tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Civil 3D), and familiarity with BIM and 3D modelling.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• An established and growing professional network with positive client relationships.

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a flexible, friendly, and highly professional consultancy that offers:

• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• The opportunity to work on high-profile and meaningful projects.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements, including part-time and hybrid options.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.