Public jobs in United Kingdom

A leading infrastructure and planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Director to join its expanding Infrastructure division. This senior role offers the chance to shape and deliver nationally significant projects across energy, transport, and major infrastructure sectors - supporting some of the UK's most ambitious development programmes.

You’ll lead the coordination and delivery of large-scale consent processes working closely with public and private sector clients, investors, and multi-disciplinary project teams.

• Lead on the preparation and delivery of major infrastructure consent applications, including DCOs, TWAOs, and TCPA projects
• Provide strategic planning and consenting advice to clients across multiple infrastructure sectors
• Oversee project programmes, budgets, and technical outputs with autonomy and accountability
• Manage and mentor multi-disciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth
• Represent clients and the consultancy at public examinations, hearings, and stakeholder meetings
• Drive business development through networking, industry engagement, and thought leadership
• Work alongside senior colleagues to strengthen market presence and expand client relationships

• Chartered Planner (MRTPI) or equivalent professional qualification
• Extensive experience in infrastructure consenting, ideally including NSIP, DCO, or related frameworks
• Proven ability to manage complex, large-scale projects from inception to delivery
• Strong technical understanding of UK planning and environmental legislation
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Commercial awareness and confidence in client engagement and business development
• Flexibility to travel for client meetings and project work across the UK

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK's most forward-thinking infrastructure planning teams, working on nationally significant and future-focused projects. The role offers flexible hybrid working, career progression, and a generous benefits package - alongside the chance to influence some of the country's most transformative infrastructure programmes.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.