We collaborate with our clients to provide an integrated approach to programmes and project success, bringing a fresh, innovative and assured approach to delivery.
Our wide-ranging skillset and expertise, both in-house and through our trusted Associate Network, enables us to deliver technical excellence, creative solutions, and fast track delivery.
Our reputation is founded on trust, respect, and integrity, with over 30 years of award-winning, successful project delivery, effective leadership, and strong industry relationships.
About Chris
Managing Partner
Chris Founds, Owner and Lead Managing Consultant at CJ Founds Associates is a civil engineer by background and a nationally recognised voice in the convergence of digital infrastructure, highways, planning, and placemaking. Chris brings over 30 years of executive-level experience across both public and private sectors, where he has built a trustworthy reputation, underpinned by his commitment and expertise across the industry.
Chris started CJ Founds Associates ten years ago with a mission to help local authorities and partners unlock the full potential of digital and transport infrastructure to deliver real-world outcomes for communities. Today, the consultancy leads transformative programmes that integrate place, energy and transport, delivering infrastructure that works for his clients and ultimately the people they serve.
Chris has a wealth of experience across UK Local and Combined Authorities, National Transport Bodies and major contractors, where he has successfully led a range of ground-breaking initiatives, including:
Chris’s career spans key leadership roles including Highways and Transportation Director, Programme Manager for Combined Authorities, and Strategic Advisor across a variety of high-impact national and local projects. He is known for his collaborative, pragmatic approach to complex delivery — unlocking value and innovation for public sector bodies.
Beyond delivery, Chris is a passionate advocate for professional development and knowledge-sharing. Through the CJ Founds Associates Skills and Training Academy, he supports the next generation of talent entering the infrastructure sector, ensuring Client teams are given the tools to lead future projects, alongside being committed to long-term sustainability.
Chris is a well-known speaker at major events, including Connected Britain and Highways UK using his insights and knowledge on how infrastructure can be designed and delivered to meet the evolving needs of people, places, and the planet.
Meet Nathan
Place and Planning Lead
Nathan has over 20 years of public sector experience and has worked in strategic development delivery, development management, planning policy and economic development.
A chartered Town Planner by background, Nathan’s in-depth knowledge across many work areas enables him to uniquely matrix across numerous disciplines to provide leadership and informed decision-making to facilitate successful project delivery for clients.
Meet Sarah
Technical Director
Sarah Founds is a qualified Civil Engineer with over 30 years of experience in traffic management, road safety engineering, and public sector infrastructure delivery. She holds a HNC from Bolton University, and a Diploma in Accident and Safety Management from Manchester College of Arts and Technology and has an APM qualification.
Throughout her career, Sarah has specialised in traffic engineering and active travel schemes, including walking and cycling improvements. She has successfully delivered more than £20 million in capital programme projects across various local authorities in England and Wales, including Halton, Knowsley, Wrexham, and Cheshire. Sarah has held senior roles such as Senior and Principal Engineer in accident prevention and road safety, with a strong track record in public sector project development and delivery.
Sarah is particularly experienced in community safety and CCTV infrastructure. As Principal CCTV Civil Engineer for Cheshire West and Chester Council, she led the development of community safety schemes, managed asset renewal contracts, and implemented innovative cross-border collaborations between Welsh and English authorities for remote safety monitoring. Her work included overseeing the installation and operation of Public Space CCTV systems, car park and Park and Ride surveillance, and enforcement technologies such as ANPR bus lane cameras.
Now serving as Technical Director at CJ Founds Associates, Sarah plays a key role in project leadership, public engagement, and stakeholder negotiation. She has delivered public consultations, chaired engagement events, and presented technical reports to elected Members and committees. Her collaborative work includes negotiations with Town and Parish Councils, Network Rail, and transport user groups.
Sarah recently led the £12 million Burgess Hill Growth Programme – Place and Connectivity Programme – as NEC Assistant Project Manager and Technical Design Manager, managing design coordination with partners such as Sustrans and Balfour Beatty, and resolving on-site quality and performance issues.
She also supported Liverpool City Council with statutory and public consultation processes for changes to the City Centre Controlled Parking Zone, working closely with legal teams to implement amendments to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).
Sarah brings a deep understanding of public sector governance, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure delivery – making her a trusted leader in the field of civil engineering and sustainable transport.
Meet Ryan
Highways Delivery Lead
Ryan Smith is a qualified Civil Engineer, holding an HND in Civil Engineering from Leeds College of Building. With extensive experience as a Highway Engineer and Project Manager, Ryan has developed a strong track record within multidisciplinary construction environments. His expertise spans contract procurement, health and safety, construction, highways, and digital infrastructure.
Ryan previously served as a Senior Project Engineer at North Yorkshire County Council, where he successfully delivered a multi-million-pound capital programme. This included schemes in drainage, resurfacing, patching, surface dressing, and footway improvements. His advanced knowledge of Local Authority highway services and contracts has enabled him to contribute significantly to the development of design specifications and contractual frameworks for both highway and digital infrastructure projects across the UK.
Committed to delivering high standards in operational efficiency, quality, consistency, and innovation, Ryan ensures that sustainability and industry best practices are embedded throughout project delivery, contract procurement, and asset management.
Ryan has led the successful delivery of high-value projects and investment programmes, including both government-funded initiatives and traditional capital works. He brings a high level of competency in project and financial management, contract administration, and NEC4 contract delivery.
Known for driving process improvements, Ryan has developed project control systems that enhance compliance with funding and scheduling targets. He is skilled in managing stakeholder communication and fostering transparency and inclusion throughout the project lifecycle.
Ryan also brings substantial experience in strategic relationship management and third-party coordination, with a proven ability to engage with suppliers, contractors, and public authorities in leadership roles.
Technically, Ryan has led pre-construction and construction phases, including design investigations, reviews, and site supervision. He has a strong background in CDM compliance, having fulfilled statutory roles as both Principal Designer and Client under the CDM Regulations.
Additionally, Ryan has worked closely with Local Authority Street works teams and suppliers, coordinating utility and third-party activities across the highway network. He has also played a leading role in highway winter service operations, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership in critical situations.
Meet Helen
Marketing & Communications Lead
Helen is an award winning senior marketing professional that has over 20-years experience leading national and global marketing strategies for both private and public sector organisations. Her experience includes building dynamic value propositions through consultation and ensuring they are delivered through multi-channels activity, including digital, PR and events including global construction consultancy Currie & Brown and port and logistics for Peel Ports.
Commercially driven, with extensive knowledge of stakeholder consultation, brand development and lead generation, Helen has delivered a number of place making projects across the UK, overseeing delivery of Government funded programmes.
Meet Hayley, MSc
Project Manager
Hayley is a qualified APM Project Manager with extensive experience delivering multi-million-pound programmes for both public and private sector clients. Her portfolio includes high-profile projects such as the St Helens Digital Infrastructure Town Centre Project and work with international firm NGE, where she oversaw multiple contractors delivering regional digital infrastructure.
Hayley holds a master’s degree in international business and management with a specialisation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is passionate about embedding social and environmental impact into project delivery—an approach clearly demonstrated in her work on the 5GIR Smart Decarbonisation Network (SDN) for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
A personable and confident leader, Hayley is known for her structured, transparent approach to delivering PMO excellence, underpinned by strong governance and a commitment to meaningful outcomes.
Meet Alana
GIS and Data Lead
Alana has gained 4 years of experience in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and conducting data analysis. She has utilised these skills throughout her degree and has continued to develop them over the last 6 months since she joined CJ Founds.
Alana’s strong educational background and previous managerial experience have equipped her with a comprehensive skill set. As GIS is becoming an increasingly important asset for visual communication and efficient project delivery, her proficiency in this area is a valuable asset to our team.
Meet Trevor
NEC Contract Supervisor
Trevor brings a wealth of Contractor understanding and construction delivery knowledge in his role as NEC Supervisor. Trevor has successfully worked for various Civil Engineering Contractors across West Sussex and has an excellent working knowledge of the infrastructure network and assets across the region. Trevor brings a very good awareness of Contractor delivery and is highly skilled in value engineering, monitoring performance and compliance, testing and inspection.
