Senior Transportation Planning Leader - Tennessee

Neel-Schaffer, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Neel-Schaffer, Inc. seeks a Transportation Planning Lead to head our Tennessee transportation planning practice. You may base in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, or Knoxville, handling high-profile projects and mentoring teams.

The role combines technical leadership with business development, guiding client engagements from scope to delivery and expanding the firm’s footprint across Tennessee. Strong leadership and industry knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of progressive transportation planning experience, including 5 years of staff management.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, geography, public policy, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• AICP or PE strongly preferred; leadership or project management certification desirable.
• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships, winning work, and leading major projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead transportation planning assignments in Tennessee, including long-range plans and mobility master plans.
• Oversee project execution: tasks, schedules, budgets, staffing, risks, and quality review.
• Coordinate with clients, subconsultants, and practice leadership to ensure delivery.
• Serve as primary client contact for MPOs, DOTs, transit agencies, counties, and municipalities.
• Support market growth by identifying opportunities and positioning the firm for future work.
• Contribute to pursuits, proposals, interviews, and client development efforts.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.

Skills

Staff management

Client relationships

Project leadership

Business development

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, geography, public policy, or related field

Master's degree preferred

AICP or PE preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

GIS

Job description

Neel-Schaffer, Inc. seeks a Transportation Planning Lead to head our Tennessee transportation planning practice. You may base in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, or Knoxville, handling high-profile projects and mentoring teams.

The role combines technical leadership with business development, guiding client engagements from scope to delivery and expanding the firm’s footprint across Tennessee. Strong leadership and industry knowledge are essential.