Associate Director Town Planning

Overview

In this Associate Director role, you will lead and grow AECOM’s planning consents team on major infrastructure projects across energy, rail and water sectors. You’ll work with senior leadership to drive strategy, mentor junior staff, and secure new opportunities through strong client relationships. You’ll manage DCO processes, coordinate cross-disciplinary delivery, and ensure high-quality, compliant outcomes. This position offers influence on high-profile UK projects and contributes to a growing Town Planning practice within a global firm.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid work options
• compensation and well-being programs
• inclusive and respectful workplace
• opportunity to impact major UK infrastructure projects
• global firm with shared knowledge and technology

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the planning consents service
• Provide line management and mentorship to junior team members
• Lead major development applications including the Development Consent Order (DCO) process
• Offer strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams
• Ensure projects are delivered on budget and within programme timelines
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless project execution
• Oversee deliverables and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles
• Contribute to business development and lead preparation of tenders to win work

Key requirements

• Significant experience leading planning consent applications for large infrastructure projects across various regimes
• Client focus with strong interpersonal and collaborative approach
• Existing relationships with clients and local authorities
• Business development mindset with track record of winning work and building client relationships
• Clear and concise writing ability
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• High commitment to quality
• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline and RTPI membership or equivalent

• leadership and mentoring
• interpersonal skills
• collaboration
• planning consent processes
• Development Consent Order (DCO)
• project management

…