Principal Town Planner

Overview

In this Principal Town Planning role, you will lead major infrastructure planning applications across the UK, with a focus on DCO projects. You’ll coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, liaise with planning authorities and stakeholders, and advise on consent strategies. You’ll help win business in energy, transport, and water sectors while contributing to a growing national planning team. This role offers hybrid working and exposure to high-profile projects that shape the UK’s infrastructure landscape. You’ll drive quality, compliance, and critical decisions across complex developments.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• disability confident employer
• Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office
• inclusive workplace culture
• wide compensation and wellbeing programs
• global opportunity and technology leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in delivering major development applications
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams across project types
• Submit and manage planning applications, liaising with local authorities and stakeholders
• Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights
• Produce feasibility reports and consent strategies
• Write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements
• Contribute to business development and sector strategy
• Identify opportunities and build client relationships
• Lead and contribute to commercial tender preparation
• Collaborate with Environmental Impact Assessment team and participate in stakeholder meetings
• Oversee project management, ensuring quality and health & safety adherence

Key requirements

• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline
• Membership of RTPI or equivalent
• Significant experience leading planning consent applications for large infrastructure
• Expert witness experience advantageous
• Strong client and stakeholder relations
• Business development experience and client relationship building
• Clear and concise writing
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Commitment to quality
• Interpersonal skills
• Collaborative working style
• Ability to work under pressure
• Planning consent processes
• DCO experience
• Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements

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