Associate Director - Town Planning

Company Overview

AECOM is a leading global infrastructure consulting firm committed to improving communities worldwide through innovative projects such as transportation improvements, energy solutions, water access, and urban development. With more than 50,000 professionals, including planners, engineers, scientists, and project managers, AECOM works to solve complex challenges and create lasting legacies.

Role Overview

Due to significant infrastructure planning wins, AECOM is seeking an Associate Director to join and lead its planning team in Ireland. Based in Cork or Dublin and benefiting from a hybrid working arrangement, the role involves managing and expanding the planning consents service, delivering major development applications, and contributing to business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the planning consents team, overseeing major development applications across Ireland.
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams.
• Manage projects to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery, coordinating cross-disciplinary teams.
• Monitor and uphold quality assurance and health and safety standards within deliverables.
• Drive business development activities, cultivating client relationships and preparing commercial tenders.

Team and Projects

The Town Planning team is integral to delivering major infrastructure projects across sectors including rail, water, transport, energy transmission, and data centres. AECOM is among the largest planning consultancies in Ireland and the UK, employing over 70 qualified planners. The team collaborates with top-tier specialists and handles projects ranging from local developments to nationally significant infrastructure.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience leading planning consent applications in Ireland for large infrastructure projects, preferably in energy, transport, or rail sectors.
• Expert witness experience is advantageous.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills, including established relationships with local authorities and clients.
• Proven business development capabilities with experience in securing new projects and nurturing existing clients.
• Excellent written communication and ability to work independently under pressure.
• High commitment to delivering quality work.
• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline and professional membership with the Irish Planning Institute, RTPI or an equivalent body.

Additional Information

The role offers a hybrid work model with flexibility across office, remote, and client site locations. All newly recruited employees must attend an in-person onboarding session at an AECOM office. AECOM values diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities and accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The company is a Fortune 500 firm with significant revenue and global presence, offering competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth opportunities.