Transport Planning & Modelling Lead

Role overview

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Chartered Transport Planning Lead in Dublin to help shape transport strategy, delivery, and growth across its planning and modelling work in Ireland. This senior position blends technical leadership, commercial responsibility, and client engagement, with an emphasis on sustainable transport, innovation, and business expansion across Ireland and the UK.

The successful candidate will oversee complex projects from bidding through delivery, work closely with multidisciplinary teams, and build long-term relationships with local authorities, transport bodies, clients, and partners. The role also involves contributing to business planning, team development, and the wider growth of the transport division in Ireland.

About the business

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with more than 20,000 people working across over 50 countries and 140+ offices. The business supports major industries worldwide and focuses on delivering work that creates meaningful social value. As an employee-owned organisation, it aims to create an environment where people feel empowered, included, and valued.

The transport business unit works on solutions for cities, regions, and asset owners/operators globally. Its work spans the full project lifecycle, from business case preparation and advice on revenue, procurement, and environmental legislation to delivery of infrastructure and long-term maintenance support. The team plays an important role in the Global Transport Sector Strategy.

What the role involves

You will take ownership of transport planning and modelling assignments, manage teams and resources, and make sure work is delivered to the expected quality, budget, and schedule. The role carries a high level of autonomy and includes commercial and technical accountability for client work, new business generation, and multi-disciplinary project delivery.

You will also support team growth through mentoring, line management, motivation, performance development, and knowledge-sharing with junior staff. A key part of the position is helping shape and grow the company’s portfolio by identifying opportunities and strengthening relationships that lead to repeat business.

Key responsibilities

• Direct transport planning and modelling projects from proposal stage through to completion
• Coordinate people, time, and resources so projects meet quality, budget, and programme expectations
• Create and maintain strong partnerships with clients, public authorities, and delivery partners
• Spot new business opportunities and contribute to growth plans
• Coach and develop a high-performing, client-focused team
• Manage client relationships, win new work, and oversee delivery within budget and deadlines
• Support business planning and team capability development
• Contribute specialist knowledge to design preparation, design assurance, task budgeting, and project delivery
• Lead and support direct reports and junior employees through line management and performance development

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will bring senior-level transport planning expertise, commercial awareness, and a collaborative leadership style. You should be comfortable working on major infrastructure programmes, especially transport-related work, and have the confidence to influence clients and stakeholders while driving project success.

Applicants should also be motivated by sustainable transport, community impact, and collaborative innovation, and should demonstrate alignment with the company’s PRIDE values: Progress, Respect, Integrity, Drive, and Excellence.

Requirements

• A degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification
• An MSc or other advanced qualification in transport planning or transport economics is useful but not mandatory
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as IHT, ILT, TPS, or ICE; chartered status or TPP is preferred
• Strong senior-level experience in planning for major infrastructure schemes, particularly in transport
• Experience with demand modelling and forecasting
• Knowledge of transport business cases, transport economics, and transport policy and strategy
• Excellent communication skills for both client and internal collaboration
• Strong report writing ability
• A proven record of transport planning delivery and successful work winning
• Ability to use transport modelling and data analysis tools effectively
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary transport strategies, feasibility studies, and business cases
• Capability to build durable client relationships and encourage repeat business

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• Pension contributions matched up to 7% of base salary
• Competitive annual leave
• Annual membership subscription for a professional institution
• Life insurance cover
• Income continuance support
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Annual company performance bonus, subject to company performance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel TaxSaver tickets
• Support for continuing professional development, with Engineers Ireland accreditation
• Mentoring and career development support

Working arrangements and other information

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Dublin, Ireland. The company offers agile working with a hybrid approach that is intended to support wellbeing, flexibility, and trust while meeting client, team, and personal commitments.

The organisation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and promotes fair employment practices with equal opportunities for all. It also supports individual expression and aims to provide an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute.

Support is available for candidates who are disabled or need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. The contact provided for this purpose is reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com.

Recruiter contact: William Bates.

Market: Transport. Discipline: Planning and modelling. Job reference: 12439.