Senior Transport Planner

Surrey County Council; Horsell; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK seeks a Senior Transport Planner to lead planning projects, analyze transport data, and mentor colleagues. The role offers hybrid working and an opportunity to impact transport solutions in the community. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in transport planning, particularly with VISUM and VISSIM, and a strong analytical background. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Benefits

26-31 days' holiday

Local government pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing discounts

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in transport planning.
• Strong understanding of TAG and NPPF requirements.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality reports.

Responsibilities

• Leading and advising on transport planning projects.
• Analysing and presenting transport data for decision-making.
• Mentoring Graduate Transport Planners and Modellers.

Skills

Transport planning

Data analysis

Project management

Collaboration

Use of VISUM and VISSIM

Education

Membership of a relevant professional body

Tools

VISUM

VISSIM

Job description

Overview

Location: Victoria Gate, Woking, GU21 6JD

This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £47,142 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a new Senior Transport Planner to join our fantastic Transport Studies team. The team is based in our Woking office, Victoria Gate which is conveniently close to the railway station. This role is open to hybrid and flexible working. As a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office for at least one day per week and working from home or alternative locations the rest.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer\'s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
• The opportunity to take a Masters degree or other professional qualification

About the Role

Are you ready to make a real impact on how people move around Surrey?

As a Senior Transport Planner, you'll play a key role in shaping the places where people live, work, and travel — helping to grow the local economy and protect the environment. This is a fascinating and rewarding role at the heart of a sector that's constantly evolving. You'll use tools like big data, GIS, and transport models to provide clear, evidence-based insights that inform decision-making and drive positive change.

You'll be joining our Transport Studies team, working closely with colleagues across the organisation — from Transport Policy to Design, Construction, and Maintenance. It's a collaborative environment where your ideas will be valued from day one.

Your responsibilities as a Senior Transport Planner will include

• Leading and advising on transport planning projects, from problem identification through to scheme appraisal and business case development
• Using a range of modelling and assessment tools (e.g. junction modelling, microsimulation, strategic modelling, pedestrian assessments, Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit)
• Analysing and presenting transport and movement data in accessible ways to support consultations, funding bids, and strategic planning
• Reviewing and auditing third-party transport assessments and modelling
• Supporting Local Planning Authorities with evidence for spatial strategies
• Contributing to scheme design by applying relevant guidance (e.g. DMRB, Local Transport Notes)
• Mentoring and line managing colleagues, including supporting our Graduate Transport Planners and Modellers on the Professional Development Programme

You can learn more about how we work by reading our Team Charter attached.

We're a friendly, forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll have the chance to work on meaningful projects, develop your expertise, and help shape the future of transport in Surrey.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :

• Substantial experience in transport planning, including recent use of VISUM and VISSIM
• Strong understanding of TAG and NPPF requirements
• Proven ability to analyse data, appraise schemes, and prepare high-quality reports and evidence
• Active membership of a relevant professional body
• Confidence working both independently (e.g. from home) and collaboratively in an office environment

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

• Please tell us about any projects or schemes you have been involved in which used VISUM and VISSIM. What was your role in each case?
• Please describe a project where you collaborated closely with teams or professionals from other disciplines — either within your organisation or externally. What was your specific contribution, and how did you support the project lead?
• Please provide an example of where you have presented data and associated analysis as part of a project that helped to inform a difficult or controversial decision?
• Please state one or two transport related issues you are interested in and explain why.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24/11/2025 with interviews planned for December.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact William Bryans by e-mail at [e-mail]

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.