Joe Manson

The future of Transport Planning at Dice

Dive into an interview with our Associate Director of Transport Planning, Joe Manson, as he shares his thoughts on exciting opportunities available here at Dice. 

What motivated you to pursue a career with Dice?

From the moment I met Wayne, Raj, and Jon, their ambition was immediately clear—not just for Dice as a whole, but specifically for creating a top-tier Transport Planning team that would complement the company's already successful pre-planning team.

Despite being a relatively young company, Dice had already made significant strides, both in securing important credentials and being accepted on to prestigious frameworks, as well as working on an impressive array of projects with high-profile clients.

I'm thrilled to have joined Dice as the Transport Planning lead and am excited to contribute to the next phase of the company's growth!

Since joining the Dice team, have you established any valuable connections or achieved significant milestones?

The first 8 weeks in any new role are always a whirlwind, and this one has been no exception. Right from the start, I had the opportunity to represent the business at ‘Housing 24’ in Manchester during my first week, where I connected with many of Dice's existing clients and collaborators throughout the city. It was an incredible introduction to the company's network and a chance to understand the strong relationships Dice has cultivated.

I’ve also had the privilege of contributing to a diverse range of projects. From town centre master plans to large urban extensions, the variety of work has been both challenging and rewarding. Collaborating with such a talented and passionate group of engineers has allowed me to quickly integrate into ongoing projects and make meaningful contributions.

As I continue to settle into my role, I’m excited about the potential for growth and innovation at Dice. The team's expertise and dedication have already made a strong impression on me, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the coming months.

Could you elaborate on the pre-planning services Dice offers and how the company continues to enhance them?

Since its inception, Dice has continually expanded and enhanced its pre-planning services across the business. Initially focusing on site feasibility, drainage strategies, and flood risk assessments, Dice has prioritised early-stage client engagement to proactively address potential challenges. By advising clients at the outset of the planning process, Dice ensures that future issues are minimised, development layouts are optimised for efficiency, and significant value is added to each project.

As the business evolved, Dice introduced Dice Environmental, a division dedicated to providing specialised support in areas such as acoustics and noise, air quality, site investigation, and more. This expansion allowed Dice to offer a comprehensive suite of environmental services, further solidifying its reputation as a one-stop solution for pre-planning needs.

The most recent addition, Transport Planning, has significantly strengthened Dice's already robust pre-planning offering. This new service not only supports clients throughout the entire planning process but also provides critical advice at every stage of a project. By ensuring that sites are strategically positioned to leverage existing transport infrastructure, Dice helps clients optimise layouts for future users, with a particular focus on enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. This holistic approach underscores Dice's commitment to creating sustainable, efficient, and value-driven developments.

What opportunities are available to a Graduate Transport Engineer at Dice?

Now is an exciting time to join a dynamic and rapidly growing young business. Dice's core values — customer focused, technology, sustainability, and wellbeing — create the ideal environment for passionate engineers at any stage of their career. The company's commitment to these principles ensures that every team member has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and forward-thinking workplace.

The Transport Planning division is already making remarkable strides, and we are ambitious about our continued growth and involvement in top-tier projects. We are eager to connect with like-minded engineers who share our vision and enthusiasm, and who are ready to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step, Dice offers the perfect platform to make a meaningful impact and contribute to groundbreaking work.