Join to apply for the Planning Development Manager (Highways) role at Jacobs

Overview

As Cities & Places, we create thriving places across different scales by offering an integrated design approach. The team brings together engineers, architects, surveyors, urban designers, project managers and transport planners to provide collaborative and coordinated sustainable, value-driven design solutions for our clients nationally and internationally. Jacobs works with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to provide program / asset management and technical support to the Highway and Environmental service, protecting and maximizing value from HCC’s highway, structures, and environmental assets.

We work exclusively for Hertfordshire County Council acting as the Highway Authority in its role as statutory consultee. The Local Plans & Strategic Development team supports the planning process in identifying sustainable sites for growth and evolving those sites through master-planning and pre-application processes. This role is part of a broader team that also covers Development Management and includes leaders focused on influencing design to encourage active and sustainable travel.

Responsibilities

• Support the Local Plan and Strategic Development Team in leading the One Service approach to Place Making.
• Work with Strategy and Programme Managers to develop work programmes, manage communications with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and external partners, and support the Local Plan process.
• Support the development of master plans for strategic developments, ensuring Highways interests are represented early.
• Contribute to the team and unit by researching and sharing best practice, developing new ideas, and supporting the development of team members.
• Evaluate development locations, negotiate with and manage multiple stakeholders, and ensure responses align with the county council’s objectives.
• Operate in a non-technical, strategic way, looking at the bigger picture and delivering vision-led solutions.
• Develop expertise in highways and planning, contributing to plans that balance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the local community (e.g., Stevenage).

Qualifications

• Ideally, strong relationship-building skills with Urban/Transport/Highway or similar planning awareness, including knowledge of local plans, urban planning principles, place-making, and national policy frameworks like the NPPF.
• Sensitivity to political dynamics; ability to engage with elected members and respond in a public-facing role.
• A positive attitude with a strong work ethic.
• Interest in transport, planning, and/or sustainable development issues.
• Relevant degree (e.g., Geography, Planning, or Engineering) or suitable relevant experience.
• Confident interpersonal and communication skills capable of working with people at all levels, managing conflict, and building connections.

Why Jacobs?

Jacobs offers a competitive package and values people as its greatest asset. UK employees receive benefits such as free single medical cover and a digital GP service, family-friendly benefits including enhanced parental leave pay, and support for professional development and memberships. The Collectively program supports community engagement with matched funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations. We support hybrid, part-time, and flexible working patterns.

Our culture

Jacobs’ values are safety, integrity, inclusion, and diversity. We place people at the heart of our business and foster a culture of caring to support wellbeing and belonging for all employees. We maintain a broad network of employee networks focused on inclusion and diversity. We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome flexible working arrangements and applicants who may not meet all listed requirements. If you need reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, please contact the team. We welcome feedback on our recruitment process.