Overview

in planning policy project wins and new opportunities, we are looking to bring in a Principal Planner to work with senior colleagues to manage our growing workload. We are looking for an outstanding consultant with proven experience in planning policy and 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 be based in our flagship London Aldgate Tower office, though other locations may be considered, including Basingstoke, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, and Plymouth. We operate a hybrid working model, giving you the flexibility to balance time between our office and working from home, depending on your needs and the requirements of the role. This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis, allowing us to tailor the role to suit your individual circumstances.

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.
• Provide strategic planning advice to other client and internal teams.
• Develop and manage relationships with clients, local authorities and other stakeholders through project work and at conferences and networking events.
• Share technical knowledge and excellence.
• Project Management: Ensure projects are delivered successfully on budget and within programme timelines. Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for seamless project execution.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee the 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 the preparation of commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.

About our team

AECOM is a top ten UK planning consultancy by size, employing more than 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners. The AECOM Planning Practice handles projects that are among the largest, most complex and high-profile development and regeneration initiatives in the UK for public and private sector clients. We work closely with colleagues in masterplanning, landscape, environment, sustainability, transport and economics. Examples of our project work include sub-regional growth studies and evidence bases, local plan support for authorities, strategic masterplanning for Garden Communities, and neighbourhood planning support since 2011. Joining AECOM offers opportunities for career progression within a positive culture where learning and development are actively supported.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience of leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role.
• Client focus, with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative working 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.
• Ability to produce high quality technical reports and excellent communication skills. Ability to work on your own initiative and under pressure.
• High level of commitment to quality.

Additional information

• Work Flexibility: Hybrid options available, balancing office and remote work.
• Company Description: Work with Us. Change the World. AECOM is a global infrastructure consultancy delivering advisory, planning, design, engineering, program and construction management services. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and ESG priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm.
• EEO and Disability Confident: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.