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 seeking 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 manage and assist in key planning policy projects, working alongside multi-disciplinary teams and engaging directly with clients and stakeholders to secure successful planning outcomes. 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 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 individual circumstances.

What you’ll do

• 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 other client and internal teams.
• Provide effective representation for the organisation, developing and managing relationships with clients, local authorities and other stakeholders through project work and attendance at conferences and other networking events.
• Sharing 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 and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles.
• Business Development — Contribute to the business development strategy, nurture client relationships, and lead/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. Our Planning Practice handles high-profile development and regeneration projects in the UK for public and private sector clients. We work closely with colleagues in masterplanning, landscape, environment, sustainability, transport and economics. Examples of project work include sub-regional growth studies and evidence base, local plans, strategic masterplans and neighbourhood planning.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience of leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role.
• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline, and membership of the RTPI or equivalent professional body.
• Client focus with strong interpersonal and collaborative working approach; existing relationships with clients and local authorities are advantageous.
• Business development mindset with demonstrable experience in work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports and deliver excellent communication; ability to work on own initiative and under pressure.

Benefits and Information

We offer hybrid work options and a flexible environment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We also participate in the Disability Confident Interview Scheme and will provide reasonable adjustments for applicants who indicate a need.

Additional Information

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.