Access Planning and Nelson/Nygaard are seeking an Associate Principal to lead and deliver transportation and mobility-related strategies, programs, and projects across Canada and the United States.

In this role, you will work on strategy and infrastructure advisory initiatives such as designing governance, decision-making, and funding structures for regional agencies and transit authorities, developing long-range mobility policies that influence how cities grow and invest in transportation systems, and shaping major projects from early concept through capital program development for bus, rail, and airport infrastructure.

You will collaborate closely with clients, senior decisionmakers, and partners; mentor and support junior colleagues; and play a key role in driving business development and shaping strategy as part of a highly respected, values driven consulting practice focused on making city life better.

ABOUT YOU

• You have a solid track recording leading broad-ranging and complex strategic planning, policy, or infrastructure advisory projects and programs.
• You're a motivated mid-career professional with strong technical and analytical skills, paired with a strategic mindset and the ability to solve complex problems in dynamic, often ambiguous environments.
• You thrive on collaboration, are curious, bring fresh ideas, and are passionate about shaping transformational city-building initiatives.
• You have experience supporting transit systems, networks, or strategic projects-whether within public agencies or as a consultant-and you're energized by challenges with more questions than answers.
• Creative problem-solving comes naturally to you, and you're excited to develop innovative approaches, align diverse stakeholders, deliver compelling presentations, and design frameworks that guide decision-making.
• You value open communication and enjoy working closely with colleagues and clients to tackle issues that require clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• You enjoy leading people and teams and are motivated by mentoring and coaching.
• You value your professional network and relationships and have demonstrated an ability to effectively maintain and grow this network

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As an Associate Principal, you will have leadership responsibilities for projects, business development, and the organization. Responsibilities will include managing, supervising, and supporting project teams; keeping project work on schedule and within budget; mentoring senior associates and associates; research, data collection, and analysis; writing and editing technical and public-facing reports; developing presentations and outreach materials; and leading business development efforts, client communication, and practice building. You will work both independently and as part of a team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the scoping, planning, and end-to-end management of complex, interdisciplinary planning, policy, governance, and infrastructure initiatives; applying strong project management discipline to keep teams aligned and manage risks; and delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Provide clear, structured, and actionable strategic advice to senior public-sector leaders on navigating policy challenges, making informed decisions, and engaging partners effectively. For example, this could include developing a prioritized transit investment program with a robust implementation strategy (e.g., technical, engagement, organizational, and funding considerations)
• Strategy and infrastructure advisory, such as developed transit strategies and related implementation (e.g., technical, engagement, and funding)
• Oversee scope, schedule, and budget development and control, ensuring project work is well-defined, proactively managed, and delivered with a high degree of accountability and professional rigor.
• Build, maintain, and grow a strong network of clients and stakeholders, fostering trust, confidence, and productive collaboration to support project development, problem-solving, and successful delivery.
• Lead the development of proposals, work plans, and service offerings for medium- and large-scale projects, contributing to business development and the firm's strategic growth across Canada.
• Produce clear, concise, and audience-appropriate deliverables, including reports, presentations, and technical or public-facing materials for executives, partner agencies, technical teams, stakeholders, and communities.
• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to associate- and senior associate-level staff, cultivating a high-performing team culture grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and professional excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a broad range of transportation, infrastructure, and urban planning experience.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in mid- to senior-level positions in the public or private sector with a focus on urban development and mobility/transit planning, policy, major infrastructure development, and/or governance initiatives.
• A university degree in planning, engineering, urban design, environmental management, public policy, public administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in business development (i.e., winning work); if you have public agency experience, RFP development and evaluation experience are applicable skills.
• Awareness and ability to initiate and progress your projects with minimum guidance, taking the initiative to consult with colleagues at the right time.
• The ability to manage complex projects on time and on budget.
• Excellent communication skills in all formats: writing, presentations, engagement, and facilitation.
• Exemplary time management, organizational, and communication (written and verbal) skills, with the ability to prioritize work and coordinate tight deadlines.
• Some capacity to work in French is an asset, but not required.
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an asset, but not required.

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

This position will be held out of our Toronto or Vancouver office. We have physical office space in both cities, and you will be expected to work in office at least 3 days per week.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The annual salary range for this position is CAD $140,000 - $180,000, depending on qualifications and years of experience.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental benefits, fitness and transit reimbursement, paid time off, paid parental leave, group RRSP, and association dues and professional development.

INTERESTED? GET IN TOUCH!

Qualified and interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and work samples (no larger than 6MB). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.