Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure planning projects and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join AECOM, a top UK consultancy with a focus on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a diverse workload in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Work on prestigious projects that make a real impact in energy and transport sectors.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; RTPI membership preferred.
- Other info: Flexible base locations across the UK with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we\’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world\’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We\’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Start here. Grown Here.
We have an opportunity for a Principal Town to work on infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a particular expertise and focus on DCO projects. We have an impressive portfolio of involvement in major infrastructure projects, including delivery of projects through various consenting regimes including DCOs. We are currently leading on planning applications for renewables and wider energy / electricity related infrastructure, transport, defence, water and much more.
You will be able to work on a range of prestigious infrastructure projects for our clients in the energy transition, rail and water development sectors, as well as a range of regional and local developments. AECOM is a market leader in UK infrastructure development, with experience of over 80 DCO projects. Join us now and you could be working on:
- numerous solar DCOs with a pipeline of future work;
- carbon capture and storage projects;
- energy transmission schemes;
- large aviation and rail projects;
- housing and mixed-use development consenting.
We are passionate about delivering planning to support complex projects.
As our Town Planning team is national, and we support hybrid working we are flexible in terms of base location. The role can be based from our offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London Aldgate, Manchester, Nottingham and Plymouth, with an option for hybrid working.
You will be joining a great team; you will have an interesting and diverse workload and you will be given the opportunity to make the most of your abilities.
Here’s what you’ll do :
You will be joining a market leading, experienced infrastructure planning team and will, be given the following responsibilities.
Project Leadership and Delivery
Lead and assist in the delivery of major development applications.
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across various project types.
Submit and manage planning applications, including liaising and negotiating with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.
Planning and Advisory Services
Provide planning advice to colleagues and clients on consent requirements and permitted development rights.
Produce planning feasibility reports and consent strategies.
Write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements for development applications.
Client and Business Development
Contribute to business development in specific market sectors, including sector strategy.
Identify opportunities and build client relationships.
Lead and contribute to the preparation of successful commercial tenders.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with the Environmental Impact Assessment team.
Participate in internal and external meetings with stakeholders.
Project and Operational Management
- Oversee project management, ensuring quality and adherence to health and safety principles.
- High level of commitment to quality.
Does this sound like something you can do, and do well? If so, read on…
About our team
AECOM’s rapidly growing Town Planning team plays a key role in delivering major infrastructure and development projects.
AECOM is a top ten UK planning consultancy by size, employing more than 70 Chartered or Licentiate Planners. AECOM is also a worldwide leader in environmental and engineering consultancy and working as a planning consultant within AECOM means access to some of the highest profile and prestigious development projects in the UK, working with colleagues operating at the cutting edge of their disciplines as part of the largest UK environmental consultancy.
Become part of our Environment business, and collaborate with top-tier planners, impact assessment specialists and project managers to consent a variety of captivating projects, from local developments to major and national infrastructure, from developing planning strategies to obtaining consent and post consent work. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.
Come grow with us.
Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
Here’s what we’re looking for :
Education & Professional Memberships
Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or an equivalent professional body.
Experience
Significant relevant experience of leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects across a range of consenting regimes.
Expert witness experience would be advantageous.
Client & Stakeholder Relations
Client focus, with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative working approach.
Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
A business development mindset, with demonstrable experience of work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
Skills
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Ability to work on your own initiative and under pressure.
Additional Information
Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!
For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn (annemarieflynn).
About AECOM
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Town Planner employer: AECOM
Contact Detail:
AECOM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest DCO projects and infrastructure planning trends in the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the town planning and infrastructure sectors. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about AECOM's projects and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led projects or navigated complex planning applications, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AECOM’s recent projects and initiatives, especially in renewable energy and infrastructure development. Being able to reference these in your conversations will show that you're proactive and well-informed about the company's work.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in town planning, especially with DCO projects. Emphasise your project leadership skills and any specific infrastructure projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for infrastructure planning and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with stakeholder engagement and business development.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since the role requires clear and concise writing, include examples of Planning Statements or Design and Access Statements you’ve authored. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a professional context.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your degree in Town Planning and any memberships with professional bodies like the RTPI. If you have expert witness experience, be sure to include that as well, as it can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Showcase Your Project Leadership Skills
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll be expected to lead major development applications. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully coordinated multi-disciplinary teams and managed planning applications. Highlight your negotiation skills with local authorities and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of DCO projects and other consenting regimes. Be ready to discuss your experience in producing planning feasibility reports and writing Planning Statements. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to provide valuable planning advice.
✨Emphasise Client and Stakeholder Engagement
Client relationships are crucial in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with clients and local authorities in the past. Share any experiences that demonstrate your collaborative approach and business development mindset.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to infrastructure planning and environmental impact assessments. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Being well-prepared will help you convey confidence and expertise during the interview.
