Aecom
Trusted global infrastructure consulting firm delivering engineering, design, construction management services.
Associate Director, Planning Policy
Lead planning policy projects, manage teams, advise clients, and drive business development.
Job Highlights
About the Role
The position involves leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring projects are delivered on budget and on schedule. Responsibilities also include providing strategic planning advice, overseeing quality and health‑safety standards, and contributing to business development through client relationship management and tender preparation. • Lead and deliver key planning policy projects, such as local plan evidence, strategic growth studies, and infrastructure strategies. • Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams. • Mentor and line‑manage junior planners, fostering team development. • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless project execution. • Manage project budgets and programme timelines to achieve on‑budget, on‑schedule delivery. • Oversee quality assurance, health and safety compliance, and deliverables of the planning policy team. • Build and maintain relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders through meetings and networking events. • Drive business development by nurturing client relationships and preparing commercial tenders. • Produce high‑quality technical reports and clear communications.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸planning policy
- ▸strategic advice
- ▸team leadership
- ▸budget management
- ▸quality assurance
- ▸client relations
What You Bring
An Associate Director is being recruited to manage the growing workload of planning policy projects across the UK. The role requires proven expertise in planning policy, strategy and project management, and offers hybrid working from several offices with the option of full‑time or part‑time employment. Candidates must have significant experience in leading planning policy and strategy development, strong client and stakeholder relations, and a track record of winning new work. A degree in Town Planning (or a related discipline) and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute are required, along with high‑quality technical reporting and communication skills. • Demonstrate a proactive, initiative‑taking attitude when working under pressure. • Hold a degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) and membership of the RTPI or equivalent professional body.
Requirements
- ▸planning policy
- ▸strategy
- ▸project management
- ▸planning degree
- ▸rtpi
- ▸proactive
Benefits
AECOM promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, offering flexible hybrid work, comprehensive compensation and well‑being programmes, and opportunities for career progression. The company welcomes applications from all backgrounds, including neurodiverse candidates, and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. • Benefit from hybrid working, flexible full‑ or part‑time arrangements, and AECOM’s global compensation and well‑being programmes.
Work Environment
Hybrid