Principal Town Planner

AECOM; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compensation and benefits programs

Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy in the UK is seeking a Prime Town Planner to lead infrastructure planning projects. The role involves managing major development applications, providing planning advice, and developing client relationships. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Town Planning or related discipline and has significant experience in large infrastructure projects. This position offers the opportunity for hybrid work, with offices located in various cities including Leeds.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects.
• Expert witness experience advantageous.
• Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist delivery of major development applications.
• Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights.
• Contribute to business development in specific market sectors.
• Oversee project management, ensuring quality and adherence to health and safety principles.
• Project and operational management – oversee project management, ensuring quality and health and safety adherence.

Skills

Clear and concise written communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Collaboration

Written communication

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Job description

About the role

Prime Town Planner to lead infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a focus on DCO projects and renewable energy, transport, water, and defence infrastructure.

AECOM is a market leader in UK infrastructure development, delivering major infrastructure projects through over 80 DCO projects.

Key projects

• Solar DCOs and future pipeline
• Carbon capture and storage projects
• Energy transmission schemes
• Large aviation and rail projects
• Housing and mixed‑use development consenting

Location & hybrid working

Role can be based from AECOM offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London Aldgate, Manchester, Nottingham, Plymouth, with hybrid working options.

Responsibilities

• Project leadership and delivery – lead and assist delivery of major development applications, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, submit and manage planning applications, liaise and negotiate with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.
• Planning and advisory services – provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights, produce planning feasibility reports and consent strategies, write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements.
• Client and business development – contribute to business development in specific market sectors, identify opportunities, build client relationships, prepare successful commercial tenders.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement – work closely with the Environmental Impact Assessment team, participate in internal and external meetings with stakeholders.
• Project and operational management – oversee project management, ensuring quality and adherence to health and safety principles.

Qualifications

• Education & Membership – Degree in Town Planning or related discipline; membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
• Experience – significant relevant experience leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects across a range of consenting regimes; expert witness experience advantageous.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations – client focus, strong interpersonal skills, collaborative working approach; existing relationships with clients and local authorities; business development mindset with demonstrated success in winning and developing relationships.
• Skills – clear and concise written communication; ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Quality & Commitment – high level of commitment to quality.

About AECOM

AECOM is a world‑leading infrastructure consultancy delivering professional services across the project lifecycle. We are a Fortune 500 firm with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and environmental stewardship. AECOM provides a wide range of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to support our employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity

AECOM is an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.