Overview
In planning policy projects and opportunities, we are looking to bring in a Principal Planner to work with senior colleagues to manage a growing workload. We seek an outstanding consultant with proven experience in planning policy, strategy, and project management. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality work and driving business growth. You will manage and assist in key planning policy projects, work alongside multi-disciplinary teams, and engage directly with clients and stakeholders to secure successful planning outcomes. The role is based in our flagship London Aldgate Tower office, with consideration for other locations including Basingstoke, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, and Plymouth. We operate a hybrid working model, balancing time between the office and home, depending on needs. This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Development: Participate in the successful operation and management of the town planning team.
Planning Strategy and Expertise: Lead and assist on key planning policy projects, including supporting local authority policy and strategy development, coordination and delivery of local plan evidence studies, strategic growth studies, infrastructure strategies, and other policy and strategy commissions.
Offer strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams.
Represent the organisation, developing and managing relationships with clients, local authorities and other stakeholders through project work and attendance at conferences and networking events.
Share technical knowledge and excellence.
Project Management: Ensure projects are delivered on budget and within programme timelines; coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless project execution.
Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee deliverables produced by the planning policy team; implement and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles.
Business Development: Contribute to the business development strategy, nurture client relationships; lead and assist in preparing commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.
Qualifications
Significant relevant experience of leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role.
Client & Stakeholder Relations: Client focus with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach; existing relationships with clients and local authorities; business development mindset with demonstrable experience of work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
Skills: Ability to produce high-quality technical reports and excellent communication; ability to work on own initiative and under pressure.
Quality & Commitment: High level of commitment to quality.
Education/Registration: Degree in Town Planning or related discipline; membership of the RTPI or equivalent professional body.
About AECOM
AECOM is a top planning consultancy with a broad portfolio of projects across the UK. Our Planning Practice works with colleagues in masterplanning, landscape, environment, sustainability, transport and economics to deliver large-scale development and regeneration projects for public and private sector clients.
Projects and Experience
Sub-Regional Spatial Plans: We provide sub-regional growth studies and evidence base for plans and policy (e.g., OxCam Arc, Thames Estuary, Hertfordshire, East Midlands). We contribute to Garden Towns and new communities research.
Local Plans: We support local planning authorities with plan evidence; have worked on local plans for over 100 authorities in the last decade.
Strategic Masterplans: We masterplan new Garden Communities totalling almost 100,000 homes and continue to develop long-term places for living and investment.
Neighbourhood Planning: We have supported hundreds of local communities through the neighbourhood plan process, from scoping and evidence base production to stakeholder engagement and plan production.
About Life at AECOM
Join a global team of over 50,000 professionals delivering projects that create positive, tangible impact. We offer hybrid work options and a supportive culture focused on learning, development, and career progression. AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr