Associate Director – Transport Planning and Advisory

AECOM; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Liverpool seeks an Associate Director for Transport Planning and Advisory. This leadership role involves delivering sustainable transport solutions, leading teams, and engaging key stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have extensive transport planning experience, strong leadership skills, and a relevant degree. The role offers an opportunity to manage dynamic projects and develop innovative strategies in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport planning with a proven track record.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK transport planning principles.
• Strong leadership and client relations capabilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK transport planning principles, policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Build relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee complex transport planning project delivery.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and lead bids and proposals.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of transport planners and consultants.

Skills

Transport planning expertise

Leadership skills

Client engagement

Project management

Data analytics

Education

Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field

Membership in CIHT or TPS

Tools

Transport planning software

Job description

Associate Director – Transport Planning and Advisory

The Associate Director role in Transport Planning and Strategic Consulting is a leadership position focused on delivering innovative and sustainable transport solutions. Responsibilities include leadership, client engagement, project delivery, business development, and team development.

Candidates should have extensive experience in transport planning, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence. The Liverpool office has an established track record of successfully delivering Transport projects and works closely with other disciplines from Streets and Technology, Highways, Aviation, Ports, Rail and Environmental sectors.

The team workload ranges from strategy development, transport appraisals, business cases, feasibility studies, market research and modelling and data analytics, working with public and private sector clients.

We are currently looking for an Associate Director to support and lead on the delivery of a variety of transport projects. The role will suit a self-motivated individual who is aspiring to take a lead role in client engagement and manage dynamic teams delivering high quality projects covering:

• Transportation studies covering all modes including active travel, road reallocation and public transport schemes
• Options appraisal incl. modelling and data analytics to support public sector business case development and funding applications
• Localised and strategic transport model development
• Collaborative working across multi-disciplinary projects

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives to grow the transport planning and consulting practice.
• Align team objectives with AECOM’s broader business goals, ensuring integration across disciplines.
• Proven work winning, project management and team management abilities with excellent Client relations.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, including public sector agencies, private developers, and infrastructure operators.
• Provide strategic advice to clients, ensuring their goals are met with innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Represent AECOM at client meetings, industry events, and conferences, enhancing the company’s reputation as a leader in transport planning.
• Project Delivery
• Oversee the delivery of complex transport planning projects, ensuring they meet quality, budget, and timeline requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Manage project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure successful outcomes.
• Business Development
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the transport planning and wider sectors.
• Lead the preparation of bids and proposals, ensuring they align with client needs and AECOM’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with other business lines to secure and deliver multidisciplinary projects.
• Team Development
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of transport planners and consultants.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive and equitable workplace.

Qualifications

• Degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Membership in professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) or Transport Planning Society (TPS).
• Extensive experience in transport planning, with a proven track record in winning work and leading teams.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of transport planning principles, policies, and regulations in the UK&I region.
• Expertise in transport modelling (strategic and local) and transport economics
• Ability to interface with design teams on the role of modelling in scheme development
• Understanding of the technical requirements of key public clients in the region with respect to transport modelling and appraisal
• Proficiency in commonly used transport planning tools and software.

AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and abilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.