Senior/Principal Planner in Southampton

Joining Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Our Transport Consulting team works at the forefront of shaping cities, places and infrastructure, helping clients create sustainable, inclusive and people‑focused environments. We work collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated transport and development planning solutions for complex urban environments in the UK and internationally.

We have an opportunity for a Principal / Senior Transport Planner to join our innovative and collaborative Transport Consulting team. Given the variety of job titles across the industry, this role may suit candidates currently working as senior or principal transport / bus planners, engineers or development planning consultants. You will work across a diverse range of development and infrastructure projects, including major regeneration schemes, the refurbishment and extension of buildings, masterplans, new towns and nationally significant infrastructure.

Alongside development planning, the role includes a strong focus on bus planning, strategy, operations, infrastructure and fleet supporting DfT and Local Authority commissions. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will provide early‑stage advice, lead and assure technical work, and develop transport strategies that can be clearly justified through the design and planning process. Your work will combine design input, advising clients on active travel and sustainable transport, technical analysis and modelling, and supporting on‑site and off‑site transport design requirements for all users. You will manage projects, taking responsibility for programme, quality and commercial aspects, including fee negotiations with clients. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, support the development of junior colleagues, and contribute to business development and work‑winning activities.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

You Will Bring

• A strong interest in how transport supports development, place‑making and wider policy objectives
• Experience leading transport and development planning work, including early‑stage advice, design development, technical assurance and planning submissions, for development sites, urban areas, public realm or major destinations
• Interest in helping to achieve Net Zero and enabling the movement of people in sustainable ways
• Bus planning, strategy and / or bus operational experience
• The ability to analyse, model and assess future transport demand and network requirements, and apply transport design guidance to development and infrastructure schemes
• Experience developing and negotiating transport strategies with local authorities, and confidently justifying technical positions through the design and planning process
• The ability to manage projects, taking responsibility for programme, budget, quality and commercial outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to visualise and articulate complex problems, produce clear, structured reports and presentations and build trusted client relationships

You will also be motivated to develop others, contribute to the success of our business through work winning and business development, and grow your own leadership capability within a collaborative and supportive team.

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.

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, 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.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.