Associate Director, Town Planning & DCO Lead - Hybrid

AECOM; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Day 1 onboarding

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an Associate Director to lead its planning consents team across the UK, including Bristol, Chesterfield and Manchester. The role focuses on governance, mentoring and delivering high‑quality planning outcomes for energy transition, rail and water projects.

You’ll guide development strategies, lead major applications, and coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, within‑budget delivery while growing the client base.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading planning consent applications for large infrastructure projects.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills with a client-focused mindset.
• RTPI chartered planner or equivalent professional recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the planning consents service and provide line management to junior team members.
• Deliver strategic planning advice and manage major development applications including DCOs.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Oversee quality assurance, health & safety, and compliance across deliverables.
• Drive business development and nurture client relationships to secure opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Planning consent experience

Mentoring

Client relations

Education

Degree in Town Planning with RTPI membership

Job description

AECOM is seeking an Associate Director to lead its planning consents team across the UK, including Bristol, Chesterfield and Manchester. The role focuses on governance, mentoring and delivering high‑quality planning outcomes for energy transition, rail and water projects.

You’ll guide development strategies, lead major applications, and coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, within‑budget delivery while growing the client base.