Associate Director - Infrastructure

Job Title: Associate Director – Infrastructure

Location: Birmingham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading global consultancy in their search for an experienced Associate Director to join their Infrastructure Consenting team in Birmingham.

The Opportunity

Our client, Arup, partners with clients across the transport, energy, and water sectors to plan, design, consent, and deliver major infrastructure projects. They are now seeking an Associate Director to play a pivotal role in growing their consenting capability and leading high–profile, complex projects across the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a leadership position within a highly respected organisation, working on some of the most exciting infrastructure developments while shaping strategy, building client relationships, and mentoring teams.

The Role

As Associate Director, you will:

• Lead the development and growth of the infrastructure consenting business
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, identifying new opportunities and securing repeat work
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in bidding for and delivering projects
• Provide strategic direction, oversee project delivery, and ensure commercial success
• Undertake quality assurance and ensure high standards across all outputs
• Collaborate across internal teams to maximise integrated project delivery
• Support the development and mentoring of team members within the planning and consenting function
• Raise the company's profile through marketing, thought leadership, and industry engagement

About You

You will be a driven and experienced professional with a strong track record in infrastructure planning and consenting. You should bring:

• In–depth knowledge of UK infrastructure consenting legislation, including Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and relevant sector legislation (e.g. Transport and Works Act, Electricity Act)
• Demonstrable experience in drafting consenting strategies, planning reports, and managing consent applications
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across bids and project delivery
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, programme delivery, and client liaison
• A successful track record of winning and delivering projects in transport, energy, or water sectors
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Degree–level education and MRTPI (Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute) accreditation

Why Apply?

• Work on nationally significant and impactful infrastructure projects
• Join a collaborative and forward–thinking environment that values individuality and innovation
• Take a leadership role with real influence over business growth and strategy
• Enjoy a strong commitment to professional development and career progression
• Contribute to meaningful projects that benefit communities and the environment

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)