Technical Principal - Airport Cargo & Logistics Planner

MOTT MACDONALD; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Cargo and Logistics Advisory and Planning Specialist to lead projects in freight operations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cargo planning and demand forecasting, and must be willing to travel for work. This role offers opportunities for growth within an innovative team while making a significant impact on logistics infrastructure.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Minimum 33-35 days holiday annually

Enhanced family leave policies

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systems-thinking approach.
• Experience in cargo/logistics planning within airport, seaport, or intermodal environments.
• A willingness to travel and work overseas as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support cargo demand forecasting and logistics master planning.
• Advise on the planning and design of cargo terminals and freight villages.
• Contribute to decarbonization strategies for freight transport.

Skills

Cargo and logistics planning

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of customs procedures

Understanding of digital supply chain technologies

Education

Degree in Airport Planning, Transport Planning, Logistics Planning, or related field

Tools

Forecasting tools

GIS software

Logistics simulation software

Job description

Overview

Locations: Croydon, London, Southampton

Recruiter contact: David McFall

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you\'re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit

We help conceive, drive, and implement transport solutions for cities, regions, and asset owners/operators around the globe. From preparing the business case and advising on related issues - such as revenue, procurement, and environmental legislation - to delivering the completed infrastructure and helping maintain it. Our planning, engineering, environmental and management skills cover the whole project cycle. We play a major role in developing and delivering the Global Transport Sector Strategy.

Job Description

Mott MacDonald is seeking a forward-thinking Cargo and Logistics Advisory and Planning Specialist to join our Aviation Maritime and Offshore team. The ideal candidate will be able to lead projects in cargo and logistics infrastructure feasibility, technical planning and design, regulatory and operational domains. The candidate would be expected to work on a range of aviation, marine and inland intermodal freight projects including advisory, planning and design. The candidate should be fully aware of the nature of freight operations at airports, seaports and inland depots, and the role of the freight forwarder.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support cargo demand forecasting, capacity assessments and logistics master planning for airports, seaports and inland depots
• Analyse cargo flows, modal integration and supply chain dynamics to inform cargo/freight infrastructure development
• Develop strategic plans for air freight, maritime cargo and intermodal logistics hubs at airports, seaports and inland depots
• Advise on the planning and design of cargo terminals, freight villages, bonded warehouses, and logistics parks.
• Lead the evaluation of site layouts, operational efficiency, and throughput capacity.
• Support the integration of digital logistics technologies (e.g., automation, IoT, smart warehousing).
• Conduct process mapping and performance benchmarking of cargo handling operations.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements in cargo handling, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
• Support simulation and modeling of cargo flows and terminal operations.
• Contribute to decarbonization strategies for freight transport and logistics infrastructure.
• Contribute to assessment of climate resilience and risk mitigation measures for cargo facilities.
• Collaborate with airport/seaport/depot authorities, operators, logistics providers, customs agencies, and transport planners.
• Prepare technical reports, business cases, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.
• Support project management, proposal development, and client engagement activities.

General Skills

• Degree in Airport Planning, Transport Planning, Logistics Planning, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Experience in cargo/logistics planning within airport, seaport, or intermodal environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systems-thinking approach.
• Familiarity with freight forecasting tools, GIS, or logistics simulation software.
• Knowledge of customs procedures, bonded logistics, and trade facilitation.
• Experience with sustainability frameworks in freight and logistics.
• Understanding of digital supply chain technologies and automation trends.
• Strong communication skills, report writing and bid drafting.
• A willingness to travel and work overseas (sometimes at short notice) as required

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Lifestyle

• A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years\' service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.