Head of Department - RUK&I Urban & Transport Planning

Job Description

Head of Department - RUK&I Urban & Transport Planning

Any Ramboll UK & Ireland office

As our new Head of Department, you will be responsible for heading up a multidisciplinary team covering Transport Planning, Cities and Regeneration and Infrastructure Engineering to successfully deliver a wide range of diverse projects while driving business growth.

The role will require the successful candidate to drive the external focus for the team and develop a Business Development & Growth Strategy to realise the ambition to growing the Departments external revenue streams and growing their own client base.  You should be able to demonstrate an external industry network and actively client engagement.    Internally your responsibilities will include leading the successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects across the Transport portfolio, and other internal markets, and actively contributing to the operational performance of the Business Unit and driving business growth.

This role requires effective and experienced leadership across multiple disciplines, strategic oversight, client credibility and business development acumen to consolidate and expand our market presence thus developing further existing and new client relationships.

Our portfolio includes clients within the public and private sector and our multi-disciplinary teams assist our clients and external collaborators in all phases of a project – from developing business plans and strategic planning to selecting the right solution and all way through the execution of the project.

You will be a significant contributor to the Transport leadership/management group, where you and together with the other Heads of Department, will contribute to setting the strategic priorities that will ensure our continuous growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Development & Growth Strategy

• Grow and develop the current Transport Planning, Cities and Regeneration and Infrastructure Engineering disciplines by identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, expanding the company’s market share by targeting/ enhancing existing clients and identifying new client relationships and projects.
• Build and nurture client relationships, ensuring a healthy stream of repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Lead proposals and tender preparation, positioning the consultancy competitively in the industry whilst ensuring technical excellence
• Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and professional forums.
• Previous experience and industry connections including client recognition in all, or the majority of sectors mentioned above would be highly advantageous.
• Experience of the Transport and Infrastructure market in Ireland would be advantageous.
• Also advantageous would be any experience in expert witness roles in city planning, transport planning or infrastructure schemes (site development or corridor wide)

2. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop strategically high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture within and beyond the Department.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and mentoring of project and People managers to ensure ongoing professional development of staff, growth and expertise.
• Set performance objectives, conduct senior staff appraisals, and ensure continuous improvement in project execution and delivery including collaboration.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key focal point for key clients, ensuring expectations are aligned and met.
• Liaise with senior management to report on overall project performance, identifying risks, and potential opportunities.
• Foster collaboration between internal departments and beyond to enhance service delivery.

4. Project Management & Delivery

• Help define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with stakeholder expectations.
• Help Team Managers develop and oversee project plans, ensuring on-time and within-budget execution.
• Help project managers as appropriate to implement risk management strategies and quality assurance processes to maintain high project standards.

5. Financial & Commercial Oversight

• Manage departmental budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
• Drive profitability through efficient resource allocation and cost management.
• Contribute to pricing strategies and contract negotiations to maximize revenue.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Level of Experience: extensive experience in a senior management role covering a majority if not all in areas related to urban planning, transport planning and infrastructure.
• Business Acumen: Strategic mindset with a track record of identifying growth opportunities and securing new business in a multi-disciplinary nature. Financial track record of running successful profitable teams is a must.
• Leadership & Communication: Demonstrable ability to lead teams, negotiate with stakeholders, and present ideas effectively. Effective experience of managing specialist teams is required.
• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience in successfully managing multi -disciplinary teams on complex projects in an engineering consultancy or similar environment.
• Risk & Quality Management: Ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions
• Educational Background: Degree in either urban planning, transport planning or civil engineering

What we can offer you

• Commitment to your development
• Leaders guided by our Leadership Principles
• A culture that welcomes you as the unique person you are
• Inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects
• The long-term thinking of a foundation-owned company
• Flexible work environment 
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions
• Private medical cover and life assurance

Ready to join us?

Please submit your application and CV online. We invite diversity in all its forms and encourage applicants from all groups to apply.

We recognise that some candidates only apply when they tick every box. However, passion and potential often outweigh a perfect resume and Ramboll’s supportive learning culture can help you grow. So if this role resonates with you but you don't meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this opportunity or another within our team.

Deadline: 31/08/2025

Work at the heart of sustainable change with Ramboll

Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. As a foundation-owned people company, founded in Denmark, we believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. So, that’s where we start – and how we work. Our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act and being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. Ramboll employs more than 18,000 people globally across 35 countries. Ramboll experts deliver innovative solutions across Buildings, Transport, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, Management Consulting, and Architecture & Landscape. Combining local experience with global knowledge, we help shape the societies of tomorrow.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. At Ramboll, we believe that diversity is a strength and that different experiences and perspectives are essential to creating truly sustainable societies. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is able to flourish and reach their potential. We also know how important it is to achieve the right balance of where, when, and how much you work. At Ramboll, we offer flexibility as part of our positive and inclusive approach to work. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds and characteristics. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it more comfortable for you. You can contact us at job.advert.accessibility@ramboll.com with such requests.​