AECOM Chesterfield, England, United Kingdom

Associate Director, Planning Policy

Join to apply for the Associate Director, Planning Policy role at AECOM. This role can be based in London Aldgate, Basingstoke, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, or Plymouth with hybrid working.

Role overview: Due to a significant increase in planning policy project wins and new opportunities, we are looking to bring in an Associate Director to work with the leadership team in managing our growing workload. We are seeking a leader with proven experience in planning policy and strategy and project management, capable of strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and delivering high-quality work that drives business growth. You will manage key planning policy projects, work with multi-disciplinary teams, and engage directly with clients and stakeholders to secure successful planning outcomes.

Employment type: full-time or part-time

Key responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Participate in the operation and management of the town planning team; provide line management and mentorship to junior team members.
• Planning Strategy and Expertise: Lead on key planning policy projects, support local authority policy and strategy development, coordinate and deliver local plan evidence studies and other policy and strategy commissions; offer strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams; develop and manage relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders.
• Project Management: Ensure projects are delivered on budget and within programme timelines; coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless execution.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee deliverables produced by the planning policy team; implement and uphold QA and health and safety principles.
• Business Development: Contribute to business development strategy, nurture client relationships, and lead the preparation of commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.

About our team: AECOM is a leading UK planning consultancy with over 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners. Our Planning Practice handles large, complex development and regeneration projects for public and private sector clients, working across masterplanning, landscape, environment, sustainability, transport, and economics.

Qualifications and experience: Significant relevant experience in leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role. Strong client and stakeholder relations, with existing relationships with clients and local authorities. Ability to produce high-quality technical reports and communicate effectively. Degree in Town Planning or related discipline and membership of RTPI or equivalent.

Additional information: AECOM offers hybrid work options, a range of compensation and well-being programs, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Disability accommodations are available on request via ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com. All information kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10135103 | Business Line: Environment | Business Group: DCS | Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India | Career Area: Planning | Work Location Model: Hybrid | Legal Entity: AECOM Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited