Associate Director - Transport Planning

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Transport Planning professional to join our established Transport & Mobility Planning team at Associate Director level, delivering high‑profile transport planning and development planning projects.

We are keen to hire into several offices, including Southampton, Bury St Edmunds and Bolton. The role will focus primarily on leading complex transport planning projects, with additional exposure to client management, team leadership, business development and multi‑disciplinary collaboration, as well as cross‑sector work spanning residential, retail, logistics, infrastructure and major renewables.

The Role

You’ll lead the delivery of transport planning projects from early site promotion through to planning submission and post‑consent support, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes:

• Project and technical leadership – managing complex transport planning projects, including Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, Travel Plans and Delivery & Servicing Plans.
• Client management and proposal support – securing work, negotiating fee proposals and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Team leadership and mentoring – supporting junior and senior colleagues and developing technical and commercial skills within the team.
• Technical delivery – using modelling packages and recognised appraisal techniques to support planning applications and development strategies.
• Cross‑disciplinary collaboration – working with planning, engineering, environmental and design teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Business development – identifying opportunities to expand transport planning services and contribute to strategic growth.

You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, providing clear, confident advice to clients, co‑consultants, decision‑makers and stakeholders.

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Our flexible benefits & reward package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes

We believe sustainable careers need balance, so we offer:

• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities

Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR:

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause—supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

You’ll bring:

• A degree in a related subject.
• Significant experience preparing Transport Statements, Transport Assessments and related documents.
• Understanding of priority junction modelling (Junctions 11).
• Experience using LINSIG and interpreting outputs.
• Understanding of micro‑simulation and strategic modelling principles.
• Knowledge of design standards (DMRB, MfS) and their application.
• Experience developing access, parking and sustainable transport strategies.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and independently winning work.
• Knowledge of S106, S278 and Traffic Regulation Orders.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage complex workloads.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative effectively.

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

If this Associate Director – Transport Planning role aligns with your experience and ambitions, we encourage you to apply.