Principal Transport Planner in Otley

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per year (dependent on experience)

Location: Otley, West Yorkshire

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, (Monday – Friday)

Benefits: 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays, company pension and retail benefits, training and varied projects with local authority and private clients.

We're looking for a passionate and driven Principal Transport Planner to join our team at Align Property Services. Our Transport Planning team was established in 2024 and has quickly grown into a dynamic and collaborative group. We’re a close-knit team made up of an Associate Transport Planner, two Principal Transport Planners, a senior technician, a Graduate, and a Degree Apprentice. Together, we bring a mix of experience, fresh ideas, and a shared passion for delivering innovative and sustainable transport solutions.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for someone who’s excited to contribute, learn, and help shape the future of our team. Our clients are at the centre of everything we do, and we have been awarded projects with North Yorkshire Council, Barnsley MBC, Rotherham MBC, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the team have recently secured funding for over 10 schemes. We have designed more than 80km of active travel routes and supported transport planning for a wide range of developments.

Looking ahead, you will be part of an ambitious programme of work including designing over 200 schemes, assessing school street opportunities across 300+ schools, and providing transport advice on diverse projects that help shape sustainable and accessible communities.

Who Are We? Recently recognised for our partnership with North Yorkshire Council for the major reconstruction of Fore Gill Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales. The project was named the Best Civil Engineering Project in the region delivered for under £5 million, receiving a Smeaton Award at the 2026 ICE Yorkshire & Humber Civil Engineering Awards and we’re proud to be setting new benchmarks in sustainable design and innovation.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Council, we’re one of the largest and most respected building design consultancies in the North of England. Our collaborative, forward thinking team delivers a wide range of services, including:

• Building Surveying & Project Management
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Quantity Surveying & CDM

From small scale surveys to multi-million-pound developments and infrastructure schemes, our projects are as varied as our clients. With a strong and growing pipeline across both public and private sectors, there’s never been a better time to join us.

As a Principal or Senior Transport Planner, you will lead on a wide variety of impactful projects for clients including local authorities and national park organisations across the region. Your role will span the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and design through to funding and delivery. This includes developing active travel schemes (from initial studies to detailed design), supporting school streets initiatives, preparing Transport Assessments, Statements and Travel Plans for new developments, and reviewing planning applications on behalf of local authorities. You will also contribute to business cases for national and regional funding bids and undertake transport modelling to inform decision‑making.

Alongside this you will:

• Collaborate on a wide range of exciting transportation planning projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Play a key role in supporting junior team members to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Drive innovation and establish best practices across highway schemes and development projects.
• Lead the delivery of Feasibility Studies, Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, LCWIPs, and Active Travel Plans.

What we’re looking for:

• A numerate degree in Transport, Mathematics, Geography, Civil Engineering, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Post-qualification experience within an engineering consultancy, with the ability to lead project delivery and provide clear, confident leadership.
• A proven track record delivering Development Planning work and/or active travel concept and feasibility studies.
• Strong leadership skills, including mentoring, coaching, and team building, with the ability to inspire and guide high-performing teams.
• A proactive commitment to continuous professional development, staying up to date with industry trends, innovations, and emerging technologies.
• In‑depth knowledge of the UK regulatory environment, ensuring all work is compliant and delivered to the highest standards.
• Well‑developed project management capabilities, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to confidently liaise with team members, clients, regulators, and wider stakeholders.
• A proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, understand client needs, and effectively manage expectations.
• A high level of professionalism and integrity, with a strong commitment to safety, ethical decision‑making, and quality outcomes.
• Confidence working independently or collaboratively, whether directly with clients or as part of a wider project team.
• Membership of TPS, CILT, or CIHT (or working towards membership).
• A full UK driving licence.

For a full outline of the roles and responsibilities associated with this role, please review the job description.

When you join us, you become part of a team that values your contribution. We offer a supportive, professional environment where you’ll have the tools and training to thrive. Everyone here plays a vital role in delivering the high-quality services we’re known for, and we make sure our people feel valued and respected.

In return for your commitment, we offer:

• A Competitive salary up to £50,000 per year, dependent on your skills and experience.
• Enrolment on to a company pension scheme which we will contribute up to 6%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with opportunity to purchase up to 10 additional annual leave days per leave year.
• Hybrid working to support you in a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development through varying project work.
• A benefits scheme which includes a good maternity leave package, cycle2work scheme and our online voucher portal giving access to discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in.
• Stability in your role - public sector security in a private sector industry.

If you're excited about making a real impact on highway schemes and development projects while helping to set best practices and drive progress, this could be the perfect next step in your career!

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 8th of September 2026.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.

Please note, we do not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.