Associate Director - Transport Planning

We are looking for an experienced Associate Director to join our growing Transport Planning team in Northampton.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established transport planning professional with a strong background in development planning and the private sector, who is looking to take a leading role in project delivery, developing client relationships and growing our presence across the region.

You will work with a diverse portfolio of private-sector clients, including developers, housebuilders, landowners and property investors, providing strategic and technical transport planning advice across a range of development projects.

Our office is based in the charming village of Blisworth, just off Junction 15 of the M1, where we’ve been part of the local community since 2003. Set in a beautiful rural location close to the Grand Union Canal, our office offers an idyllic setting to work, combining the appeal of the countryside with convenient transport links.

You’ll also be part of Stantec’s wider multidisciplinary network, collaborating with specialists across transport, highways, infrastructure, planning and the wider built environment to share expertise and develop integrated solutions for our clients.

Alongside project delivery, you will play an important role in developing new and existing client relationships, identifying opportunities and supporting the continued growth of our Transport Planning business across Northamptonshire and the wider Midlands.

We are looking for someone who is commercially minded, technically credible and well connected within the development market, with the ambition and confidence to help shape the future of our transport planning offering.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Associate Director, you will provide senior technical and commercial leadership across a range of development planning projects.

You will work closely with clients, project teams and stakeholders to provide practical transport planning advice that supports successful development, from early-stage land promotion and planning strategy through to detailed planning and delivery.

Your role will include:

• Leading the delivery of development planning and transport planning projects across the private sector.

• Providing strategic transport advice to developers, housebuilders, landowners and other property-sector clients.

• Leading transport planning inputs for residential, mixed-use, commercial, employment and strategic development schemes.

• Advising clients on transport strategy, accessibility, sustainable travel and development-related transport impacts.

• Preparing and overseeing Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans and other technical documentation.

• Providing strategic advice at the land promotion, masterplanning and planning application stages.

• Working with local highway authorities and other stakeholders to secure appropriate transport solutions and infrastructure.

• Managing project teams, programmes, budgets and technical deliverables.

• Acting as a senior point of contact for key clients and developing long-term relationships.

• Supporting clients through planning negotiations and engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across planning, highways, infrastructure, environment and other disciplines.

• Supporting and leading bids, tenders, fee proposals and client presentations.

• Identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts and develop new client relationships.

• Using your market knowledge and network to identify new opportunities across the development sector.

• Mentoring and developing transport planners within the team.

• Supporting the wider leadership team with the growth and development of our Transport Planning business.

YOUR IMPACT

You will play a key role in helping clients bring forward successful, sustainable and well-connected developments.

Your technical expertise and understanding of the development planning process will enable clients to navigate complex transport issues and deliver schemes that respond effectively to planning and highway requirements.

You will also have a significant role in growing our presence across the Northamptonshire and wider Midlands development market.

You will:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, housebuilders, landowners and property-sector clients.

• Develop new client relationships and identify opportunities for future work.

• Strengthen Stantec’s presence within the regional development market.

• Use your existing industry network to generate new opportunities.

• Lead and contribute to successful bids and tenders.

• Support the development of key client accounts and long-term partnerships.

• Identify emerging opportunities across residential, commercial, strategic land and infrastructure-led development.

• Share market intelligence and help shape our regional business strategy.

• Develop and mentor the next generation of transport planning professionals.

This is a role where your technical expertise, commercial awareness, client relationships and understanding of the development market will all be equally important.

ABOUT YOU

You will be an experienced transport planning professional with a strong track record in development planning and private-sector consultancy, alongside the commercial awareness and leadership skills to help grow a successful team and client base.

We are particularly interested in individuals who have:

• Significant experience within transport planning consultancy at Associate, Associate Director or equivalent level.

• Strong experience across development planning, particularly residential, mixed-use, commercial or strategic land development.

• Experience working with private-sector clients, including developers, housebuilders, landowners and property consultants.

• A strong understanding of the planning and development process and the role transport plays in enabling development.

• Experience leading Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans and wider development-related transport work.

• Strong knowledge of the development planning and highways environment.

• Experience engaging with local highway authorities and other statutory stakeholders.

• Strong project management and commercial awareness.

• An established network of contacts across the development, property and transport planning markets.

• Demonstrable experience of developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

• The ability to identify opportunities, develop propositions and contribute to winning work.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage with senior clients and stakeholders.

• Experience leading, mentoring and developing technical teams.

• The ambition to play a visible role in the continued growth of a regional transport planning business.

A relevant degree and/or professional qualification such as CIHT would be desirable.

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.

We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.

We do what is right: Industry-leading training and development, paid professional subscriptions and support for your continued professional growth.

We are better together: Join a collaborative multidisciplinary team where you'll mentor others, share your expertise and work on exciting projects with colleagues across the business.

Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK – and we want you to be part of it.

Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard, discounted gym membership and lots more.

Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.