Principal Town Planner

AECOM; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead on major development applications, focusing on DCO projects. The role involves collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and client/business development activities. Significant experience in planning consent for large infrastructure projects is required. The position offers a hybrid working model and is based in multiple locations across the UK.

Benefits

Hybrid work options

Competitive compensation

Benefits and well-being programs

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects.
• Expert witness experience would be advantageous.
• Business development mindset with experience in work winning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in the delivery of major development applications.
• Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights.
• Contribute to business development in specific market sectors.

Skills

Client focus

Strong interpersonal skills

Clear and concise writing ability

Ability to work on own initiative

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Job description

Overview

At AECOM, we are delivering a better world. We work on infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with particular expertise in Development Consent Order (DCO) projects. Our portfolio includes renewables, energy/electricity, transport, defence, water and more. We are leading on planning applications for major infrastructure and energy projects and collaborate with clients to deliver complex solutions.

Join a global team of over 50,000 professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We are a market leader in UK infrastructure development with experience on DCO projects and a track record of delivering major infrastructure and development schemes.

Role opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Principal Town Planner to work on infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a focus on DCO projects. You will work on a range of prestigious infrastructure projects in the energy transition, rail and water sectors, as well as regional and local developments. The team supports hybrid working and base locations include: Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London Aldgate, Manchester, Nottingham and Plymouth.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership and Delivery: Lead and assist in the delivery of major development applications; coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across project types; submit and manage planning applications, liaising with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Planning and Advisory Services: Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights; produce 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 and build client relationships; contribute to successful tenders.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Work with Environmental Impact Assessment teams; participate in meetings with stakeholders.
• Project and Operational Management: Oversee project management, ensuring quality and health and safety compliance.

Team and culture

AECOM’s Town Planning team is national and supports hybrid working. You will join a growing team that delivers a variety of projects from local developments to major national infrastructure. You will work with experienced planners, impact assessment specialists and project managers in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

Education & Professional Memberships

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or an equivalent professional body.

Experience

• Significant relevant experience leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects across various consenting regimes.
• Expert witness experience would be advantageous.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Client focus with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
• Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
• Business development mindset with experience in work winning and client relationship development.

Skills

• Clear and concise writing ability.
• Ability to work on own initiative and under pressure.

Quality & Commitment

• High level of commitment to quality.

Additional information

For more information about the role, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to explore our AECOM culture, projects and opportunities. For the recruiter contact, please reach out on LinkedIn to annemarieflynn.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services across the project lifecycle—from advisory and planning to design, engineering and construction management. We work on projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, energy and the environment. We strive for equity, diversity and inclusion and governance priorities. A Fortune 500 firm, we reported revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. Learn more at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Benefits and inclusion

You will have hybrid work options and the flexibility to do your best work. We foster a safe, respectful workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and well-being programs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we support diverse talent and inclusion. We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applicants who have a disability or long-term condition to apply; please contact [e-mail] if needed. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10131450

Business Line: Environment

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India

Career Area: Planning

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Legal Entity: AECOM Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited