Technical Principal - Cargo & Logistics Planner

ZipRecruiter; England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Cargo and Logistics Advisory Specialist. The role involves leading projects in cargo and logistics infrastructure planning, conducting detailed analyses for airports, seaports, and intermodal facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and experience in logistics planning. This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects that contribute to sustainable transport solutions in a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Substantial holiday entitlement

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in cargo/logistics planning within airport, seaport, or intermodal environments.
• Familiarity with freight forecasting tools and customs procedures.
• Understanding of digital supply chain technologies and automation trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead cargo demand forecasting and capacity assessments for airports and seaports.
• Advise on the planning and design of cargo terminals and logistics parks.
• Contribute to assessment of climate resilience and risk mitigation measures.

Skills

Cargo demand forecasting

Logistics master planning

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

GIS

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 global industries, delivering exciting work that defines our future and makes a societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating a space where everyone can 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 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 (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 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 a consequence of changes 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

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 and Accessibility

We put equality, inclusion, and accessibility at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute. If you are disabled or need support to apply or attend an interview, please contact [e-mail] for information on available accommodations.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues
• Health cash plan to support everyday health costs and treatments
• Access to Peppy for menopause support
• Wellbeing program with support for you and your family
• Salary flex to opt into health benefits, extendable to family

• Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%
• Life assurance up to 4 x basic salary (option to 6 x)
• Income protection and return-to-work support
• Flexible benefits including increased life assurance, critical illness insurance, payroll saving, will writing
• Annual bonus schemes where applicable

• Lifestyle

• Minimum 33-35 days holiday per year, with buy/sell options
• Holiday entitlement increases after 5 years
• Employee saving schemes and retailer discounts

• Enhanced family and carers leave

• 26 weeks paid maternity/adoption leave, 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave
• Shared parental leave up to 24 weeks at full pay
• Additional carers leave for significant responsibilities

• Learning and development

• Annual professional institution subscription
• Mentoring, formal training, and self-development options

• Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join Advanced Employee Networks and contribute to community initiatives

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