At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting transport projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join an award-winning consultancy with strong community ties in Exeter.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a flexible work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transport planning while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in relevant field and 5-10 years of experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
AWP is an award-winning regional consultancy, providing specialist development planning and infrastructure services to the property industry. We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced person to join our transport planning team, at a salary and grade reflective of capabilities, to support our growing workload through 2025 and into 2026.
AWP has a team of over 40 engineers, transport planners and technicians, and we believe this makes us the largest team specialising in our field of the industry operating in the region. We all have ties with Devon and the Exeter area, and we are very proud to be a part of the dynamic community in the city.
We are based at our office at Pynes Hill, which has easy access to local residential areas by foot, the Exeter wide cycle network, as well as bus and rail links into the city centre and out into East Devon. It is also very handy for the M5 and A30.
Our office has desk space for everybody, as well as numerous meeting rooms and break-out space for collaboration with colleagues. However, we embrace the opportunities of Agile Working and the advantages that can offer in terms of work-life balance, and we are fully set up for remote home working as well.
We have been awarded Investors in People Gold Standard three times in a row, with the staff survey score at our last review in 2025 being significantly ahead of the IIP average for all organisations and those operating within our industry. The IIP Examiner also commented that “People also presented examples demonstrating how they are made to feel valued and receive appreciation for the work they do, referencing your benefits package, employee awards and the support, feedback, and encouragement they receive from managers. Skill and career development is something you continue to do well.”
Role Description
To undertake a Project Manager role within the busy Transport Team, independently leading and delivering a number of typical transport and multi-disciplinary AWP projects simultaneously. This would include the following tasks:
- Represent AWP within wider project teams/public consultation/highway authority negotiations etc.
- Responsibility for financial performance of assigned projects, including fee proposals, change control and invoicing etc.
- Co-ordinating inputs from other AWP teams when required and ensuring projects are delivered in line with agreed deadlines.
- Leading the development of technical solutions, maintaining quality and ensuring that transport planning inputs are completed in line with AWP Best Practice.
- Training & Mentoring of junior staff, including some line management responsibility in the future.
- Provide technical support to senior management.
The candidate will need to have sufficient experience to drop into the team and undertake the role from day 1, with additional support from the Transport Team Leader and Senior Partners where required for particularly large and/or complex projects.
Qualifications / Experience
- Minimum 2:1 in Civil Engineering, Geography or other relevant subject.
- MSc Transport Planning advantageous, but not essential.
- Professional qualification or able to demonstrate progress towards securing professional qualification (i.e. IEng, CEng through ICE or CIHT, or TPP).
- Ideally around 5-10 years’ experience working in development planning, ideally in private sector, in order to demonstrate the experience in the type of workload and PM/client care that we would require.
- Experience in undertaking work associated with our core transport planning services; (i.e. feasibility studies, access strategy, Transport Assessment, Travel Planning, S106 negotiations, preliminary highway design etc)
- Proactive character with good organisational & time management skills.
- Experience in planning and driving forward typical projects independently.
- Familiarity with the NPPF and the “planning system”.
- Experience in contributing to appeal work and knowledge of the appeal process is advantageous but not essential.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current highway design guidance and methodologies (MfS, DMRB etc).
- Good numeracy and analytical skills.
- Problem solving skills; able to develop and evaluate options for solutions, both in terms of design and strategies to move projects forward.
- Good English and report writing.
- Experience in using CAD advantageous, but not vital. Experience in checking drawing work of others essential.
- Excellent working knowledge of key software, including ARCADY, PICADY, LINSIG, GIS, Excel etc.
- Some experience in BD activities.
Salary & Package
- Salary dependent on experience and grade.
- Membership of AWP’s profit-related bonus scheme.
- Minimum 25 days annual leave (plus the English Bank Holidays).
- AWP contributions to group pension scheme.
- Membership of the AWP Group Health Scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave provision.
- Benefiz Flexipot scheme (to spend on other company benefits such as the cycle purchase scheme, medical screening services, additional life/health insurance, Gym-flex membership etc.).
- ICE accredited training scheme, and support for professional qualifications through IEng, CEng or TPP.
- Annual subscriptions of professional institutions.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Civil Engineering
Senior/Principal Transport Planner in Exeter employer: AWP
AWP is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Exeter. With a strong commitment to employee development, evidenced by our Investors in People Gold Standard recognition, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and a flexible approach to work-life balance. Our vibrant office location, combined with our dedication to community engagement and innovative transport planning, makes AWP a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Transport Planner in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the transport planning field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with feasibility studies, transport assessments, and project management. Tailor your conversation to showcase how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching AWP and their projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to transport planning and think about how you can contribute to their team. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Transport Planner in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior/Principal Transport Planner role. Highlight relevant experience in transport planning, project management, and any specific software skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do at AWP!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about transport planning and how your skills can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your ties to Devon and Exeter – we love local connections!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects. We’re looking for proactive characters who can think on their feet, so share those success stories that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our AWP family!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transport planning principles and methodologies. Familiarise yourself with the NPPF and current highway design guidance, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific projects you've worked on will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing transport projects. Be ready to discuss how you've handled project timelines, budgets, and team coordination. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and deliver projects effectively, which is key for this position.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where you've successfully coordinated with other departments or stakeholders, showcasing your communication and teamwork skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about AWP's projects or company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
