Associate / Associate Director – Infrastructure Planning

Overview

In this role you lead planning and consenting for major infrastructure projects, shaping outcomes across the UK. You’ll work in a national, multidisciplinary team, advising clients on strategy, EIA and consent regimes. You’ll manage projects to time, budget and quality, while developing long-term relationships and mentoring colleagues. The role offers exposure to high-profile projects across energy, transport and other sectors, with a focus on driving sustainable growth and client value. A strong leadership and policy mindset anchors your day-to-day impact.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• bonus schemes
• enhanced pension plan
• annual leave with buy/sell option
• private medical insurance
• group income protection & life assurance

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and consenting workstreams for major infrastructure projects (e.g., DCOs) and relevant regimes
• Provide strategic planning, consenting and EIA guidance throughout project lifecycles
• Manage complex projects to programme, budget and quality targets
• Act as trusted adviser, developing and sustaining client relationships
• Lead project teams and collaborate across planning, EIA and technical disciplines
• Support business development through opportunities, proposals and client presentations
• Provide technical leadership and mentor less experienced staff
• Stay updated on changes to planning policy and consenting regimes
• Work nationally, with travel as required to support projects and teams

Key requirements

• MRTPI qualification or equivalent, with substantial experience in major infrastructure planning
• Proven track record leading and managing complex planning projects, including DCOs or similar regimes
• Strong knowledge of UK planning and infrastructure consenting landscape
• Experience delivering strategic planning and consenting advice to clients
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills
• Strong project management abilities across demanding workloads
• Proactive, commercially aware and results-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience mentoring or leading other professionals
• Willingness to travel nationally

• communication
• stakeholder management
• leadership
• major infrastructure planning
• consenting regimes (DCOs, DNS, Section 36/NSIPs)
• EIA

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