Senior Associate Director of Transport Planning - Reading

Jacobs; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking an Associate Director of Transport Planning to join its Reading team. This role involves leading the delivery of major transport projects, engaging clients, and mentoring junior staff. Applicants should have a degree in a relevant subject and proven experience in a client-facing role. The position offers competitive benefits, including up to 10% pension and generous holidays. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic environment focused on sustainable transport solutions.

Benefits

Up to 10% pension

24 days holidays (+10 days bought)

Free medical and income protection insurance

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading transport planning projects.
• Experience in business development and client relationship management.
• Ability to manage diverse workloads and adapt to new challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of major transport planning projects.
• Engage and build relationships with Local Authorities and transport bodies.
• Mentor junior colleagues and grow team capabilities.

Skills

Transport policy understanding

Client engagement

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Geography or Economics

Job description

Market Cities & Places

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We are excited to announce that we are looking for an Associate Director of Transport Planning to join our Reading transport planning team, which is part of our London and South East regional group of over 100 transport planners.

Are you ready to bring your expertise and vision to the forefront of transport planning? Join our Reading team and play a pivotal role in shaping strategies, influencing policy, and delivering innovative solutions for some of the most complex transport challenges in the region.

As an Associate Director, you will bring strategic insight and technical excellence to projects that matter. Your deep understanding of transport policy, regional strategies, and scheme development will help us create sustainable, future‑ready solutions.

You will lead the technical delivery of major projects, guiding teams through feasibility studies, optioneering, and the development of Transport Assessments and Business Cases. Your ability to think ahead will also help us embrace emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and digital demand‑responsive transport.

You will bring confidence and leadership to client engagement, building strong relationships with Local Authorities, Sub‑National Transport Bodies, National Highways, and TfL. Your experience in winning work and shaping proposals will open new opportunities and strengthen our position as trusted advisors. You will also share your knowledge generously, mentoring junior colleagues and helping grow the capabilities of our team.

This is a role where your flexibility and vision will make a difference. You’ll manage diverse workloads, adapt to new challenges, and help us stay ahead in an evolving industry.

In return, you’ll have the freedom to innovate, the support to grow, and the chance to collaborate with experts across the UK and internationally.

Here’s what you’ll need

• A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, which includes for example Engineering, Mathematics, Geography or Economics (we will consider candidates from other academic backgrounds).
• A proven track record in successfully leading the technical delivery of transport planning projects in a client‑facing role.
• Experience in engaging clients in business development activities and establishing close relationships that drive repeat business and new opportunities.
• Flexibility to manage a diverse workload, assist with new business opportunities and embrace emerging technologies, product solutions and the future evolution of the industry.
• Ability to take a leading role in complex multi‑disciplinary teams as well as possessing the ability to work independently to solve problems.
• Understanding of project and client management covering programme, resources, finance, and quality control.

Our colleagues enjoy project diversity and global reach within collaborative and innovative work environment as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits

We are committed to sustainability and cutting‑edge technologies that will enhance your skills whilst also offering competitive compensation and benefits package including :

Up to 10% pension

24 days (+10 days bought) holidays

Free medical and income protection insurance and many more!

So if you are ready for a new challenge - please apply!

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Benefits and Culture

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at …

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our …

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As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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