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Technical Manager/Director
Technical Manager / Technical Director – Transport Planning
Location: Leeds Employer: Sweco
Do you enjoy being part of a dynamic and inclusive team where respect for people is a priority? Then join Sweco in shaping the future of our Transport Planning team and driving transformative impact across the Midlands and north of England.
About the Role
You’ll bring technical leadership, strategic vision, and client-facing expertise to an established department with a robust pipeline of public sector work. As a Technical Manager/Technical Director, you’ll actively grow the team’s capabilities, influence our strategic direction, and deliver innovative, efficient transport planning solutions.
The Transport Planning England team thrives on its diverse skill set and proven track record in delivering high-impact projects. We’re Partners in Practice, combining discipline-specific expertise with multi-disciplinary collaboration to tackle the challenges of urbanisation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Your role will focus on technical excellence, mentorship, relationship management, and commercial success—ensuring Sweco delivers smart, policy-aligned transport strategies that truly transform society.
Key Responsibilities
You’ll take ownership of a dynamic portfolio, including:
Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise
- Lead, review, or act as SME on critical transport planning projects such as:
- Transport strategies, business cases, multi-modal transport assessments
- Comprehensive Transport Assessments and Travel Plans
- Planning applications and funding bids
Project Delivery
- Develop robust business cases and funding bids for major public sector transport schemes
- Support planning applications and regulatory approvals
- Work on high-profile schemes, such as:
- One Mesh West Yorkshire’A Bradford City Centre’ (Project Link)
- Stoke-on-Trent Very Light Rail (Blog)
- A62 Oldham Road Improvements (Manchester) (Consultation)
- National Highways A47 schemes (Blog)
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Innovation & Thought Leadership
- Mentor and develop team members by elevating technical capabilities
- Drive best practices and innovation across transport planning solutions
- Influence strategic direction by providing technical guidance at the highest level
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with key public sector clients (local authorities, National Highways, etc.)
- Understand and navigate local policy priorities, funding mechanisms, and regional demands
- Ensure stakeholder alignment on technical, commercial, and delivery decisions
Commercial Accountability & Work Winning
- Oversee project budgets, deliverables, and quality standards to ensure profitability
- Provide high-level technical input to regional campaigns and bid opportunities
- Maximise opportunities for local authority frameworks and public sector tenders
Requirements
To excel in this role, you’ll demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
- Extensive transport planning experience, with a strong public sector focus
- Proven technical and thought leadership, including:
- Expertise in transport strategy formation, business case development, and policy-led studies
- Multi-modal appraisal and economics (desirable but not mandatory)
- Proven project management skills in delivering complex transport schemes (budget, resources, timelines)
- Chartership (CTPP or equivalent) in transport planning/engineering
- Excellent communication skills (written & verbal, client-facing and cross-departmental)
- Commercial awareness in decision-making, bid strategy, and pricing
- Mentoring and team development experience (formal line management not required)
Desirable (Additional Benefits)
- National or international exposure to large public sector transport projects
- Advanced Master’s degree in relevant engineering/urban planning disciplines
- Technical chairmanship experience in subsequent examinations or reports
Why Join Sweco?
We don’t just offer a job—we offer purpose, flexibility, and growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Cultural Commitment
- Global local expertise: Bring discipline-specific knowledge alongside multi-disciplinary collaboration.
- Sustainability at the core: Shape urban development and transport solutions for a more sustainable future.
- Inclusive & empowered work culture: Balancing work and personal priorities with flexibility.
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Diversity & Inclusion
- We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including:
- Military personnel (committed to the Armed Forces Covenant)
- Persons with disabilities (accelerated interview scheme available)
- Women (especially in male-dominated fields)
- Accredited as a Real Living Wage and Disability Confident Employer
Employee Benefits (UK Package)
- Salary in a competitive band + 2nd significant benefits
- Flexible/hybrid work arrangements (Flexworks Policy)
- Generous leave: 25 days + bank holidays (with 5 additional paid days/year)
- Private healthcare (including family cover)
- Life assurance & company car allowance (or available vehicles)
- Cycle2Work scheme, pension contributions, and disability support
- Bonus scheme & professional subscription payment
- Wellbeing & Employee Assistance Programme (mental health, career advice)
- Staff discounts via Faircare portal
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- A tree planted for every new hire
About Us
Our Vision
At Sweco, we plan and design sustainable communities. Our work tackles urbanisation, digitalisation, and environmental challenges, creating smart, resilient cities for the future.
Our Difference
- Global expertise with local expertise: Tailored solutions for every client goal
- Collaborative network: Join a community of professionals driving change
- No rigid hierarchy: Your ambition is encouraged, whether you lead within the team or transform our processes
Equality & Support
If you require accommodations to apply (adjustments for application process), please contact: GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk Provide:
- Name
- Preferred contact method (phone/email)
- Job title
- Requisition number
This is more than a job—this is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Together, we transform.
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