Planning Development Manager (Highways)

Jacobs; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Planning Development Manager based in Stevenage, UK. This role will involve supporting housing and infrastructure development from a transport planning perspective, collaborating closely with Hertfordshire County Council. Key responsibilities include leading the development of master plans, managing communications with local planning authorities, and driving sustainable development initiatives. Applicants should possess a relevant degree and strong interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or suitable relevant experience.
• Interest in transport and sustainable development issues.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Support the Local Plan and Strategic Development Team.
• Develop programmes of work and manage communications with LPAs.
• Support the development of master plans for strategic developments.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Planning awareness

Knowledge of local plans

Education

Relevant degree (Geography, Planning, Engineering)

Job description

Planning Development Manager (Highways)

The Local Plans & Strategic Development team, where the role is based, supports the planning process in terms of identification of the most sustainable sites for growth and supports the evolution of those sites through the master‑planning process / pre‑application process.

You will be part of a wider team that also deals with Development Management and is the home of a head of profession who is focussed on influencing the design of places which encourage active and sustainable travel.

This role focuses on supporting housing and infrastructure development from a transport planning perspective, with involvement in major strategic sites (for example ranging from 300 to 10,000+ homes, as well as retail parks and large‑scale applications).

Your role is not just technical; it plays a critical role in shaping sustainable development plans from a big‑picture perspective, considering wider planning impacts such as drainage, transport access, and the liveability of future communities.

As Cities & Places, we create thriving places across different scales: from regions to cities, neighbourhoods to individual buildings, by offering an integrated design approach. We have a tremendous opportunity to build upon strength to develop an interdisciplinary planning, design and delivery practice that is uniquely Jacobs, that sets the direction for the industry and is home to the very best and brightest design thinkers, disruptors, technical experts, visionaries and storytellers.

A key part of the role will be evaluating the suitability of development locations, negotiating with and managing multiple stakeholders, and ensuring responses are aligned with the county council's objectives. This position will require strong relationship‑building, negotiation skills, and awareness of the political environment.

Working collaboratively with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and its supply chain, Jacobs provides program / asset management and technical support to the Highway and Environmental service – to protect and maximise value from HCC's £8 billion of highway, structures, and environmental assets.

Responsibilities

• Support the Local Plan and Strategic Development Team in leading the One Service approach to Place Making.
• Work closely with the Strategy and Programme Managers to develop programmes of work, manage the communications with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and external partners while supporting the Local Plan process.
• Support the development of master plans for strategic developments ensuring the Highways interests are represented at an early stage.
• Contribute to the team, and the unit, in terms of researching and sharing best practice, developing new ideas and supporting the development of members of the team.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree (e.g. Geography, Planning or Engineering) or suitable relevant experience.
• An interest in transport, planning, and / or sustainable development issues.
• Confident interpersonal and communication skills – ability to work effectively with people at all levels in the organisation, manage conflict and build connections.

Ideally, we are looking for a strong relationship builder with strong Urban / Transport / Highway or similar planning awareness, including knowledge of local plans, urban planning principles, place‑making, and national policy frameworks like the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). The successful candidate will be sensitive to political dynamics, able to engage with elected members, and respond on behalf of the council in a public‑facing role.

We work exclusively for Hertfordshire County Council acting as the Highway Authority in its role as statutory consultee.

Stephenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom