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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure planning projects and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, dedicated to delivering a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, competitive compensation, and access to industry-leading technology.
- Why this job: Work on prestigious projects that create a positive impact while collaborating with top-tier professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and significant experience in leading large infrastructure planning applications required.
- Other info: Flexible base location across multiple UK offices; join a diverse and inclusive team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
AECOM, Chesterfield, United Kingdom
We have an opportunity for a Principal Town Planner to work on infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a focus on development consent order (DCO) projects. We lead on planning applications for renewables and related energy, transport, defence, water and other infrastructure, and have experience delivering major projects across several consenting regimes.
You will work on prestigious infrastructure projects in energy transition, rail and water sectors, as well as regional and local developments. AECOM has experience with over 80 DCO projects. You could be involved in:
- 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
As our Town Planning team is national and supports hybrid working, the role can be based from offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Plymouth, with hybrid options available.
You will join a great team with an interesting and diverse workload, and you will have opportunities to use your abilities to the fullest.
Here’s what you’ll do:
Project Leadership and Delivery
- Lead and assist in delivering major development applications.
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across various project types.
- Submit and manage planning applications, liaising and negotiating with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.
Planning and Advisory Services
- Provide planning advice 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 preparing 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.
Qualifications
Education & Professional Memberships
- Degree in Town Planning or related discipline.
- Membership of RTPI or equivalent professional body.
Experience
- Significant experience leading planning applications for large infrastructure projects across various regimes.
- Experience as an expert witness would be advantageous.
Client & Stakeholder Relations
- Client-focused with strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
- Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
- Business development mindset with experience in work winning and relationship development.
Skills
- Clear and concise writing; ability to work independently and under pressure.
Quality & Commitment
- High commitment to quality.
Additional Information
We foster a safe, inclusive, hybrid-working environment. We provide compensation, benefits and well-being programs. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. If you require reasonable accommodations, contact ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com.
ReqID: J10136095 | Business Line: Environment | Career Area: Planning | Work Location Model: Hybrid
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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 trends and regulations in town planning, especially regarding DCO projects. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the infrastructure planning sector, particularly those who have experience with AECOM or similar firms. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with AECOM's focus areas, such as renewable energy or large infrastructure developments. Highlight your role and the impact of your contributions to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with AECOM's social media channels to understand their culture and recent projects. This will not only give you talking points for interviews but also show your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
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, particularly with large infrastructure projects and DCO applications. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for infrastructure planning. Mention how your values align with AECOM's mission to deliver a better world and your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your ability to write clearly and concisely, as well as your experience in client and stakeholder relations. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed planning applications and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams.
Highlight Professional Memberships: If you are a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or any equivalent professional body, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and adherence to industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Research AECOM's Projects
Familiarise yourself with AECOM's portfolio, especially their DCO projects and major infrastructure developments. Being able to discuss specific projects during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the company's work.
✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading planning applications for large infrastructure projects. Highlight any relevant cases where you successfully navigated complex consenting regimes, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders. This could include local authorities, clients, or environmental teams, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about AECOM's future projects or their approach to sustainability in planning. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your forward-thinking mindset, which is crucial for a Principal Town Planner.
