Policy Planner - Principal & Associate in Leeds

Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

The Opportunities

Around the globe, Arup’s Cities, Planning and Design (CPD) portfolio brings specialist knowledge to a range of challenges including delivering major infrastructure, strategies to achieve sustainable economic development, supporting the transition to sustainable energy, embedding social value, preparing policy frameworks to support growth, conserving valuable built and natural environments and engaging with our stakeholders to achieve inclusive decision making.

Across the UK we have a growing team of Policy Planners within our national Town Planning business who are working on a wide range of exciting projects responding to the new Government’s growth agenda and directly shaping the future of places. Our policy planners work with a diverse portfolio of clients including central government, local and devolved authorities, developers and infrastructure providers. We are working on some of the most challenging and high profile planning projects in the country, from supporting MHCLG with local plan and digital reform, to developing masterplans, strategies and governance to realise the next generation of New Towns. We also work closely with Local Authorities to manage the production of Local Plans, draft policies and prepare evidence bases, for example in respect of climate change, infrastructure and Green Belt.

We are looking for Senior level Policy Planners with a background in cities, planning policy, strategic planning, governance and delivery vehicles.

As a Senior Policy Planner you will be responsible for managing assignments for a mix of public and private sector clients; and will work with a wide range of consultants from across Arup’s disciplines. You will manage client relationships with government departments, local authorities, project and property developers, infrastructure operators, and other organisations across the public and private sectors. Additionally, you will help develop the town planning business through pursuing strategic opportunities, winning new contracts, and managing senior relationships.

With offices throughout the UK, we offer flexibility on which office you choose to work from on a hybrid basis!

Required skills and knowledge

• Degree in town planning or similar equivalent degree (e.g. geography) & Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
• Good knowledge of planning legislation and planning policy.
• Understanding of how to prepare policy documents and to advise clients on policy issues at all levels – national through to local.
• Experience of attending client meetings and general contributions to the development of a town planning business.
• Ability to articulate complex issues concisely, write reports, present effectively, and manage client relationships.
• Commercial/financial management that can be applied to the profitable management of projects.

What We Offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Our Application Process

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.