Technical Director Town Planning

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is seeking a Technical Director for Town Planning in Bristol. This role involves leading infrastructure planning projects, mentoring staff, and ensuring successful project delivery. Join a dynamic team focused on major infrastructure developments across the UK with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading development consent applications for large infrastructure projects.
• Proven consultancy skills in multidisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction on frameworks and major projects.
• Mentor junior staff and promote an inclusive culture.
• Ensure solutions meet client briefs and manage risks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Client Focus

Critical Thinking

Education

Relevant degree

Chartered membership of RTPI

Job description

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Technical Director Town Planning, Bristol

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Client:

AECOM

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Logistics

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

7aac5fe7c9a1

Job Views:

2

Posted:

17.05.2025

Expiry Date:

01.07.2025

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Job Description:

We have an opportunity for a Technical Director to lead infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a particular expertise and focus on DCO projects. Due to significant infrastructure planning wins and new opportunities, we are looking to bring in a Technical Director to help manage and grow our planning consents team across the UK. We have an impressive portfolio of involvement in major infrastructure projects, including lead roles in the consenting and delivery of projects through various consenting regimes including DCOs. We are currently leading on planning applications for renewables and wider energy/electricity related infrastructure, transport, defence, water and much more.

We are passionate about delivering planning to support complex projects.

As our Town Planning team is national, and we support hybrid working, we are flexible in terms of base location. This position can be based from our offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London or Manchester.

You will be joining a great team; you will have an interesting and diverse workload and you will be given the opportunity to make the most of your abilities.

Start here. Grow here.

Here’s what you’ll do:

You will be joining a market leading, experienced infrastructure planning team and will have the following responsibilities:

1. Technical Leadership: Provide technical direction on frameworks and major projects, lead technical reviews, and be a technical authority. Lead solutions to deliver optimal outcomes. Work with the senior leadership team to guide the planning business, perform the Planning Lead and DCO Lead roles for NSIP applications, and provide authoritative planning advice.

1. People Development & Mentoring: Mentor junior staff, support their technical growth, and promote an inclusive culture. Build a diverse workforce, recruit top talent, and nurture future leaders. Lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.

1. Governance: Act as lead verifier on major projects, ensuring solutions meet client briefs and risks are managed. Lead design of complex projects, including design and build with significant commercial risks.

1. Commercial & Technical Support: Demonstrate commercial awareness, manage technical risks, and ensure value for clients. Collaborate across disciplines, manage programs, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

1. Bid Support: Support bid development, identify opportunities, lead major bids, oversee team deliverables, and uphold quality and safety standards.

Does this sound like something you can do and excel at? If so, read on…

About our team

AECOM’s rapidly growing Town Planning team plays a key role in delivering major infrastructure and development projects. We are a top ten UK planning consultancy by size, employing over 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners. As part of AECOM, a global leader in environmental and engineering consultancy, you will work on high-profile projects across the UK, collaborating with top-tier professionals in a supportive environment.

Join us to work on a variety of projects, from local developments to national infrastructure, with opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Extensive experience leading development consent applications for large infrastructure projects, especially under the DCO regime.
• Strong client focus, interpersonal skills, and collaborative approach. Clear and concise communication.
• Proven consultancy skills in multidisciplinary environments, with experience in defining and implementing consenting strategies.
• Established client relationships, successful project delivery, and a business development mindset.
• Experience in developing business strategies and client development plans.
• Experience working in a commercial environment, managing bids, projects, and budgets.
• Expert witness experience is advantageous.
• Deep understanding of EIA and its relationship with the development consent process.
• Critical thinking, analytical skills, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Commitment to quality, ability to work under pressure, and manage multiple projects.
• Relevant degree and Chartered membership of RTPI.

Additional Information

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require accommodations, please contact us at [emailprotected]. We value everyone's contributions and perspectives. If you meet some requirements or have transferable skills, we would love to hear from you!

Follow us on social media to explore our projects and culture. For more info, contact recruiter Anne Marie Flynn on LinkedIn.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure firm delivering services across the project lifecycle, including planning, design, engineering, and management. We are committed to sustainability, diversity, and excellence. Visit aecom.com and @AECOM for more information.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

Enjoy flexible, hybrid working options in a dynamic, inclusive environment. We support your growth and success as part of our team, offering comprehensive benefits and a commitment to equity and inclusion.