Transport Planner

Stantec; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec in Scotland is seeking an inquisitive Transport Planner to explore maritime connectivity and ferry services shaping Scotland’s island communities. You’ll combine research, analysis and stakeholder engagement to inform transport appraisals and business cases, with opportunities to influence policy and collaborate across disciplines.

You will turn evidence into clear, practical recommendations for decision-makers, communicating complex ideas in accessible ways while supporting sustainable

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Interest in social, economic and political factors affecting transport and connectivity.
• Confidence engaging with different audiences and presenting findings.
• Interest in Scotland's island communities and rural connectivity.
• Collaborative approach across multidisciplinary workloads.
• Background in Economics, Geography, History, Politics or related social science could be relevant.
• Better Business Cases qualification would be advantageous, though not essential.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic thinking on transport appraisals and rural/island opportunities.
• Turn research into actionable insights to inform recommendations.
• Explore ferry data and other market trends to shape policy.
• Influence transport policies and strategies benefiting local communities.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, including island communities and elected Members.
• Prepare compelling reports and deliver presentations translating complex information into clear messages.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary projects including aviation and fixed links.

Skills

Communication skills

Research & analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Islands connectivity

Collaboration

Social science background

Better Business Cases

Education

Social science background

Job description

Help connect communities, shape transport policy and make a difference to the places that need it most.

At Stantec, we believe infrastructure is about more than connecting places; it's about connecting people to opportunities, services and each other.

We're looking for a curious, driven and engaging Transport Planner to join our team in Scotland , working on projects that explore the future of maritime transport and the vital role ferry services play in Scotland's island communities.

This is an opportunity to work on challenges that really matter. From understanding the social and economic impact of transport connections to helping shape business cases and future policy, you'll play a part in developing solutions that reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

If you're passionate about research, strategic thinking and making complex ideas accessible, this could be the perfect opportunity to make your mark.

ABOUT THE ROLE

No two projects will be quite the same. You will combine research, analysis, policy development and meaningful stakeholder engagement to help answer important questions about transport connectivity and the future of Scotland's islands.

Collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines, you will have the opportunity to:

Shape strategic thinking: Contribute to transport appraisals and business cases, considering the unique opportunities and challenges of rural and island communities.

Turn research into insight: Explore market trends, socio-economic factors and other evidence to inform recommendations and support decision-making.

Explore the data: Analyse ferry data and help uncover the insights that can influence future transport provision.

Influence policy: Contribute to the development of transport policies and strategies that respond to the needs of local communities.

Build meaningful relationships: Engage directly with stakeholders, including spending time on Scotland's islands to understand local perspectives and experiences.

Bring ideas to life : Prepare compelling reports and deliver presentations to island communities, elected Members and clients, translating complex information into clear, engaging messages.

Think beyond maritime: Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary projects, with opportunities to contribute to wider transport topics, including aviation and fixed links.

YOUR IMPACT

Your work will help shape the connections that keep communities moving.

For Scotland's island communities, transport is about far more than getting from A to B. It influences access to education, healthcare, employment, tourism and essential services, making informed transport decisions vital to their future.

Through your research, analysis and engagement, you'll help build a clearer picture of the challenges communities face and the opportunities available to them.

You’ll turn evidence into compelling stories, helping decision-makers understand not just the numbers, but the people and places behind them. It is an opportunity to contribute to work with a genuine purpose and see how your ideas can help influence decisions that matter.

ABOUT YOU

We're interested in people who are naturally curious, enjoy exploring complex issues and can communicate ideas in a way that captures attention and inspires action.

You don't necessarily need to follow a traditional transport planning career path. Your ability to think critically, tell a compelling story and engage with people is just as important as your technical background.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, persuasive and accessible narratives.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with an interest in understanding evidence, exploring different perspectives and drawing meaningful conclusions.

• A genuine curiosity about the social, economic and political factors that influence transport and connectivity.

• Confidence engaging with different audiences, building relationships and presenting your findings.

• An interest in Scotland's island communities and the opportunities and challenges associated with rural connectivity.

• A collaborative approach and the enthusiasm to contribute to a varied, multidisciplinary workload.

• A degree in a particular subject isn't essential, but a background in Economics, Geography, History, Politics or another social science could be particularly relevant.

• A Better Business Cases qualification would be advantageous, although it's not essential.

• Most importantly, we're looking for someone who can think strategically, communicate with confidence and bring fresh perspectives to the challenges we're working to solve.

WHY JOIN US

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.

We are driven to achieve: Recognised among Glassdoor's Top 50 Companies to Work for in 2025.

We make a difference: Contribute to meaningful projects that help shape communities, improve connectivity and create lasting positive change.

We invest in your development: Access training, professional development opportunities and support to help you achieve your career ambitions.

We achieve more together: Collaborate with talented colleagues across different disciplines, bringing together diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.

We think about the future: Help develop solutions that support resilient communities and a more sustainable future for people and the environment.

Ready to help shape the future of Scotland's island connectivity?

#LI-JP1 #transportplanningscotland

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Other Locations: Edinburgh