Associate Director - Transport Planning

SLR Consulting; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with discretionary

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Life, income, and travel insurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Hybrid and agile working

25 days annual leave

Job summary

SLR Consulting seeks an experienced Transport Planning professional to join our Transport & Mobility Planning team at Associate Director level in Southampton, with opportunities to work across offices including Southampton, Bury St Edmunds and Bolton.

You will lead complex transport planning projects, manage clients, mentor staff and contribute to business development while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams across residential, retail, logistics, infrastructure and renewables.

Qualifications

• Significant experience preparing Transport Statements and Assessments.
• Understanding of priority junction modelling (Junctions 11).
• Experience using LINSIG and interpreting outputs.
• Knowledge of micro-simulation and strategic modelling principles.
• Familiarity with design standards (DMRB, MfS).
• Experience developing access, parking and sustainable transport strategies.
• Ability to prepare fee proposals and win work.
• Knowledge of S106, S278 and Traffic Regulation Orders.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of transport planning projects from early site promotion to planning submission and post‑consent support.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor team members.
• Manage client relationships and secure proposals with fee negotiations.
• Collaborate across planning, engineering, environmental and design teams.
• Identify opportunities to grow transport planning services.

Skills

Transport Statements

Transport Assessments

Junction modelling

LINSIG

Traffic modelling

DMRB MfS

Access & parking

Fee proposals

S106/S278

Project management

Communication

Independent work

Education

Related degree

Tools

LINSIG

Job description

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Transport Planning professional to join our established Transport & Mobility Planning team at Associate Director level, delivering high‑profile transport planning and development planning projects.

We are keen to hire into several offices, including Southampton, Bury St Edmunds and Bolton. The role will focus primarily on leading complex transport planning projects, with additional exposure to client management, team leadership, business development and multi‑disciplinary collaboration, as well as cross‑sector work spanning residential, retail, logistics, infrastructure and major renewables.

The Role

You’ll lead the delivery of transport planning projects from early site promotion through to planning submission and post‑consent support, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes:

• Project and technical leadership – managing complex transport planning projects, including Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, Travel Plans and Delivery & Servicing Plans.
• Client management and proposal support – securing work, negotiating fee proposals and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Team leadership and mentoring – supporting junior and senior colleagues and developing technical and commercial skills within the team.
• Technical delivery – using modelling packages and recognised appraisal techniques to support planning applications and development strategies.
• Cross‑disciplinary collaboration – working with planning, engineering, environmental and design teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Business development – identifying opportunities to expand transport planning services and contribute to strategic growth.

You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, providing clear, confident advice to clients, co‑consultants, decision‑makers and stakeholders.

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Flexible Benefits & Reward Package

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes

Work‑Life Balance

• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities

Family Life And Wellbeing Matter At SLR

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause—supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

• A degree in a related subject.
• Significant experience preparing Transport Statements, Transport Assessments and related documents.
• Understanding of priority junction modelling (Junctions 11).
• Experience using LINSIG and interpreting outputs.
• Understanding of micro‑simulation and strategic modelling principles.
• Knowledge of design standards (DMRB, MfS) and their application.
• Experience developing access, parking and sustainable transport strategies.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and independently winning work.
• Knowledge of S106, S278 and Traffic Regulation Orders.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage complex workloads.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative effectively.

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.