Principal Demand Modeller - Transportation Planner (UK Wide)

Jacobs; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Demand Modeller to lead transport modelling efforts across major projects. The role involves strategic leadership, team development, and client engagement to shape transport analytics. Ideal candidates will have a numerate degree and experience with advanced modelling tools. This position offers opportunities for professional growth in a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Up to 10% pension

24 days holidays

Free medical insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in trip generation and variable demand modelling.
• Strong familiarity with public transport modelling software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Guide the demand modelling and public transport analytics offering.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Champion advanced modelling techniques.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client engagement

Technical excellence

Team development

Data analysis

Education

Numerate degree (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics)

Tools

Python

R

Excel

SQL

CUBE

VISUM

EMME

OpenPaths

Job description

Principal Demand Modeller - Transportation Planner (UK Wide) Lead the Future of Transport Modelling at Jacobs

Jacobs is seeking a visionary and accomplished Principal or Associate Director level Demand Modeller to lead and shape our growing transport modelling capability. With a robust and ambitious pipeline of work, this is a unique opportunity to make a strategic impact across some of the most high‑profile transport projects in the UK and internationally.

Our modelling portfolio spans major clients including Heathrow Airport Ltd, the National Transport Authority in Ireland, Transport for the North, Transport for London, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and a range of Local & Combined Authorities and Middle East partners. We deploy advanced modelling tools such as VISUM, EMME, CUBE, and Bentley’s OpenPaths, and are at the forefront of developing innovative approaches including agent‑based modelling and integrated public transport solutions.

Your Impact Will Include

• Strategic Leadership: Guide the direction of our demand modelling and public transport analytics offering, ensuring alignment with client needs and market trends.
• Client Engagement: Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders, shaping project scopes and influencing decision‑making at the highest levels.
• Technical Excellence: Champion the development and application of cutting‑edge modelling techniques, including disaggregate and agent‑based methods.
• Team Development: Inspire and mentor a high‑performing team, fostering technical growth and leadership development.
• Innovation & Integration: Drive the integration of data science and transport modelling, leveraging tools like Python, R, and statistical packages to enhance our analytical capabilities.
• A numerate degree (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Programming, or Data). Other degrees are welcome if you have strong quantitative skills.
• Experience in trip generation, variable (Transport) demand modelling, and multi‑modal forecasting using software such as VISUM, CUBE, EMME, OpenPaths, ALOGIT, or bespoke tools. Scripting skills are highly valued.
• Strong data analysis capabilities. Familiarity with Excel, Access / SQL, Python, or R is desirable.
• Experience in public transport modelling (CUBE, EMME, VISUM) is a plus.
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve complex problems.
• A commitment to delivering high‑quality technical work.

As a senior leader, you’ll bring deep technical expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for shaping the future of transport. Your experience in demand modelling and transport analytics will directly influence infrastructure investment decisions, policy development, and mobility outcomes for millions of people.

You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor emerging talent, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence. Your ability to connect technical rigour with client needs will be instrumental in securing and delivering complex projects, expanding our modelling capabilities, and driving growth across the business.

Our colleagues enjoy project diversity and global reach within a collaborative and innovative work environment as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.

We are committed to sustainability and cutting‑edge technologies that will enhance your skills whilst also offering a competitive compensation and benefits package, including :

Benefits

• Up to 10% pension
• 24 days (+10 days bought) holidays
• Free medical and income protection insurance and many more

Apply below!

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximise your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering programme, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

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As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices and remote locations to deliver their best work.

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