Joining Arup

Arup is a multi-disciplinary global firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants, and technical specialists, working across every aspect of the built environment. Together, we help our clients solve their most complex challenges - turning exciting ideas into tangible reality as we strive to find a better way and shape a better world. As a wholly independent organisation, we are owned in trust for the benefit of our employees. This allows us to determine our own direction and to make clear-sighted, thoughtful, long-term decisions about our priorities as a business and as a member of a sustainable society.

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity

Arup is helping clients across transport, energy and water sectors to plan, design, consent and deliver their portfolio of projects. We are seeking to recruit Associate Directors within our Town Planning Business who are passionate about consenting and delivering infrastructure across the transport, water and energy sectors. This is a great opportunity to lead the development of our consenting business, building on our strong position across the different markets. You will have the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting and challenging infrastructure projects using your leadership, consulting and technical skills.

In addition, the role is based in our Newcastle office where we are looking for a leader to develop and grow the local planning market and grow the team along with our multi-disciplinary team offering as part of the North Region.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

The candidate should have a knowledge of infrastructure consenting legislation including TCPA, Development Consent Orders as well as any sector specific legislation (such as, TWA, the Electricity Act and statutory powers).

You will play a key leadership role in the following areas:

• Engaging with existing and potential clients, positioning Arup to ensure there is a strong pipeline of repeat work and identifying opportunities for new work.
• Leading the delivery of projects in terms of client interface, providing strategic direction to the team, undertaking QA and ensuring projects are profitable.
• Interfacing with multi-disciplinary project teams across Arup to ensure client/project opportunities are maximised and integrated delivery of projects.
• Developing the skills across our national town planning team to ensure depth in resources and strong succession.

Requirements & Skills

You will be a motivated, enthusiastic and competent individual with a strong track record of developing client relationships and winning and successfully delivering infrastructure projects and Site development projects.

• Education to degree level and Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Strong proven consultancy skills and ability to focus on and where possible exceed client expectations. This includes working across different consenting regimes, in drafting consenting strategies, engagement strategies, planning reports and managing the preparation of consent applications.
• Experience of leading teams in the bidding and delivery (establishing and leading teams) of projects, including technical specialists and multi-disciplinary teams and sourcing sub-consultants where necessary.
• Experience of working within a commercial environment (bids and projects), including client liaison, programme and time management, quality assurance and financial/budget control.
• Experience of working with clients to understand their requirements, map out solutions and ensuring opportunities for Arup are maximised;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to work on multiple projects/business initiatives at any one time;
• Critical thinker and strong analytical skills with a solutions focused mindset to resolve issues;
• Ability to work under own initiative making good use of more junior resources to work efficiently; and
• Experience of developing technical skills in junior resources to ensure career progression, depth in resources and succession planning.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.Zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing Date: 13.03.2026

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.