Principal Town Planner - Policy

AECOM; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Planner to manage key planning policy projects while engaging with clients and stakeholders. The role offers flexibility with a hybrid working model, allowing both full-time and part-time arrangements. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Town Planning, significant experience in policy development, and strong interpersonal skills. This position presents an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker dedicated to delivering high-quality results.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience in consultancy or public sector roles.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports.
• Collaborative working approach with existing clients and local authorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and assist in key planning policy projects.
• Lead and assist on key planning policy projects.
• Contribute to business development strategy.

Skills

Planning policy and strategy

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Business development

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Membership of the RTPI or equivalent

Job description

Overview

in planning policy project wins and new opportunities, we are looking to bring in a Principal Planner to work with senior colleagues to manage our growing workload.We are looking for an outstanding consultant with proven experience in planning policy and strategy and project management. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality work and driving business growth.You will managing and assisting in key planning policy projects, working alongside multi-disciplinary teams and engaging directly with clients and stakeholders to secure successful planning outcomes.You will be based in our flagship London Aldgate Tower office, though other locations may be considered, including Basingstoke, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, and Plymouth.We operate a hybrid working model, giving you the flexibility to balance time between our office and working from home, depending on your needs and the requirements of the role. This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis, allowing us to tailor the role to suit your individual circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Participate in the successful operation and management of the town planning team.
• Planning Strategy and Expertise: Lead and assist on key planning policy projects, including supporting local authority policy and strategy development, coordination and delivery of local plan evidence studies, strategic growth studies, infrastructure strategies and other policy and strategy commissions; offer strategic planning advice to other client and internal teams; provide effective representation for the organisation, developing and managing relationships with clients, local authorities and other stakeholders through project work and through attendance at conferences and other networking events; share technical knowledge and excellence.
• Project Management: Ensure projects are delivered successfully on budget and within programme timelines; coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless project execution.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee the deliverables produced by the planning policy team; implement and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles.
• Business Development: Contribute to the business development strategy, nurturing client relationships; lead and assist in the preparation of commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.

Location, Team & Approach

Based in London Aldgate Tower with potential for other locations. We operate a hybrid model balancing office and remote work. The role can be full-time or part-time to suit individual circumstances.

About our team

AECOM is a top ten UK planning consultancy by size, employing more than 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners. The Planning Practice projects include some of the largest, most complex and high-profile development and regeneration projects in the UK for public and private sector clients. We work with related disciplines, including masterplanning, landscape, environment, sustainability, transport and economics. Examples of project work include sub-regional growth studies, local plans, strategic masterplans and neighbourhood planning. Joining AECOM offers opportunities for career progression within a positive culture dedicated to learning and development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline; membership of the RTPI or equivalent professional body is required.
• Significant relevant experience of leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role.
• Client focus with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative working approach; existing relationships with clients and local authorities; business development mindset with demonstrable experience of work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
• Ability to produce high quality technical reports and excellent communication skills; ability to work on your own initiative and under pressure.
• High level of commitment to quality.

Additional Information

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We offer a range of compensation, benefits and well-being programs. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum criteria for the role. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn.