Head of Department - RUK&I Urban & Transport Planning

Ramboll; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks a Head of Department to lead a multidisciplinary team in Urban & Transport Planning. The successful candidate will drive business growth, develop strategies, and oversee project delivery. Candidates must have extensive senior management experience in urban planning or transport planning, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers a flexible working environment with substantial benefits.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Matched pension contributions

Private medical cover and life assurance

Commitment to your development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior management role within urban planning or transport planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and secure new business opportunities.
• Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive business growth and develop strategy for revenue.
• Lead successful delivery of multi-disciplinary projects.
• Build and nurture client relationships.

Skills

Business Development

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Risk Management

Education

Degree in Urban Planning, Transport Planning, or Civil Engineering

Job description

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Head of Department - RUK&I Urban & Transport Planning

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Client:

Ramboll

Location:

United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

c6e47b15e2dd

Job Views:

14

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Job Description

Head of Department - RUK&I Urban & Transport Planning

Any Ramboll UK office, United Kingdom

As our new Head of Department, you will be responsible for heading up a multidisciplinary team covering Transport Planning, Cities and Regeneration and Infrastructure Engineering to successfully deliver a wide range of diverse projects while driving business growth.

The role will require the successful candidate to drive the external focus for the team and develop a Business Development & Growth Strategy to realise the ambition to growing the Departments external revenue streams and growing their own client base. You should be able to demonstrate an external industry network and actively client engagement. Internally your responsibilities will include leading the successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects across the Transport portfolio, and other internal markets, and actively contributing to the operational performance of the Business Unit and driving business growth.

This role requires effective and experienced leadership across multiple disciplines, strategic oversight, client credibility and business development acumen to consolidate and expand our market presence thus developing further existing and new client relationships.

Our portfolio includes clients within the public and private sector and our multi-disciplinary teams assist our clients and external collaborators in all phases of a project – from developing business plans and strategic planning to selecting the right solution and all way through the execution of the project.

You will be a significant contributor to the Transport leadership/management group, where you and together with the other Heads of Department, will contribute to setting the strategic priorities that will ensure our continuous growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Development & Growth Strategy

• Grow and develop the current Transport Planning, Cities and Regeneration and Infrastructure Engineering disciplines by identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, expanding the company’s market share by targeting/ enhancing existing clients and identifying new client relationships and projects.
• Build and nurture client relationships, ensuring a healthy stream of repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Lead proposals and tender preparation, positioning the consultancy competitively in the industry whilst ensuring technical excellence
• Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and professional forums.
• Previous experience and industry connections including client recognition in all, or the majority of sectors mentioned above would be highly advantageous.
• Experience of the Transport and Infrastructure market in Ireland would be advantageous.
• Also advantageous would be any experience in expert witness roles in city planning, transport planning or infrastructure schemes (site development or corridor wide)
• Lead and develop strategically high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture within and beyond the Department.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and mentoring of project and People managers to ensure ongoing professional development of staff, growth and expertise.
• Set performance objectives, conduct senior staff appraisals, and ensure continuous improvement in project execution and delivery including collaboration.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key focal point for key clients, ensuring expectations are aligned and met.
• Liaise with senior management to report on overall project performance, identifying risks, and potential opportunities.
• Foster collaboration between internal departments and beyond to enhance service delivery.

4. Project Management & Delivery

• Help define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with stakeholder expectations.
• Help Team Managers develop and oversee project plans, ensuring on-time and within-budget execution.
• Help project managers as appropriate to implement risk management strategies and quality assurance processes to maintain high project standards.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
• Drive profitability through efficient resource allocation and cost management.
• Contribute to pricing strategies and contract negotiations to maximize revenue.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Level of Experience: extensive experience in a senior management role covering a majority if not all in areas related to urban planning, transport planning and infrastructure.
• Business Acumen: Strategic mindset with a track record of identifying growth opportunities and securing new business in a multi-disciplinary nature. Financial track record of running successful profitable teams is a must.
• Leadership & Communication: Demonstrable ability to lead teams, negotiate with stakeholders, and present ideas effectively. Effective experience of managing specialist teams is required.
• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience in successfully managing multi -disciplinary teams on complex projects in an engineering consultancy or similar environment.
• Risk & Quality Management: Ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions
• Educational Background: Degree in either urban planning, transport planning or civil engineering

What we can offer you

• Commitment to your development
• Leaders guided by our Leadership Principles
• A culture that welcomes you as the unique person you are
• Inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects
• The long-term thinking of a foundation-owned company
• Flexible work environment
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions
• Private medical cover and life assurance