Location: Manchester
Position: Associate Transport Planner
Salary: £55k–£70k+ (dependent on experience)

About the Company

We are working with a well-established and growing transport consultancy with a strong presence across Manchester and the wider North West. The consultancy provides high-quality transport planning and development infrastructure advice across a broad range of sectors, including residential, mixed-use, commercial, logistics, retail, and strategic regeneration schemes.

Their project portfolio ranges from small-scale urban developments through to major strategic allocations and city-centre regeneration sites. They work closely with developers, land promoters, planning consultants, and local authorities to deliver commercially aware, policy-compliant, and deliverable transport solutions.

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of development-led projects across the North West and beyond, the consultancy is looking to appoint an Associate Transport Planner to play a key role in leading project delivery and supporting the continued growth of the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Transport Planner or Senior Transport Planner looking to step into a leadership role, or an existing Associate seeking a new challenge within a dynamic and supportive consultancy environment.

The Role

As an Associate Transport Planner, you will take a leading role in the delivery and management of transport planning projects across a wide variety of development schemes. You will be responsible for overseeing technical work, managing project teams, and acting as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders.

You will also support business development activities, contribute to team growth, and help shape the strategic direction of projects from early feasibility through to planning determination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans, and Environmental Statement chapters.
• Oversee and guide junction capacity assessments and traffic modelling (e.g. Junctions 9, LinSig, PICADY/ARCADY).
• Manage project delivery, including programme, budget, and resource allocation.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, providing clear and commercially focused advice.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with local planning authorities, highway authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic input into site promotion, masterplanning, and development feasibility.
• Mentor and support junior team members, contributing to their technical and professional development.
• Support business development, including bid preparation, client relationship management, and identifying new opportunities.
• Promote sustainable transport solutions, including active travel and public transport integration.
• Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of projects in line with client expectations.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and motivated transport planning professional with:

• A degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Typically 6–10+ years’ experience in UK development planning (consultancy or local authority).
• A strong understanding of the UK planning system and transport assessment process.
• Proven experience leading the preparation and review of Transport Assessments and Travel Plans.
• Strong experience with junction modelling software such as Junctions 9 and LinSig.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, deliverable advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior staff.
• Chartered or working towards chartership (e.g. CIHT / TPS / ICE).

Why Join This Company?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected consultancy that offers:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Clear career progression, with opportunities to progress to senior leadership.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• The opportunity to take a leading role in high-profile development projects across Manchester and the wider North West.
• Ongoing professional development, training, and mentoring.
• Involvement in shaping the growth and direction of the business.