Principal City Planner

This role is at the forefront of TfL’s efforts to deliver the vision of the London Plan and Mayor’s Transport Strategy and influence the future shape of London. It will ensure evidence‑based policy helps London become a healthier, more liveable and sustainable city through the delivery of new homes and jobs, better public transport and Healthy Streets.

You will work to ensure this ambitious vision is fully reflected in all areas of planning in London through the strategic approach in the London Plan, ensuring borough local plans are aligned to the London Plan, as well as by advising development management colleagues on challenging cases. You will work closely with the GLA to ensure transport supports new homes and jobs as well as the other ‘Good Growth’ objectives in the London Plan, and alongside teams in TfL to ensure growth is properly considered across a range of policy, project and analytical work.

The role requires taking the initiative to develop new policy ideas and to set out evidence‑driven, succinct and persuasive policy narratives, both in writing and orally, including to high‑profile planning examinations and meetings with stakeholders. As well as excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of analysis and ability to work with other teams to deliver results is required. The role also offers opportunities to develop a broad understanding of London’s transport context, expert‑level knowledge on key topics and a wider appreciation for issues including housing, the economy, public health and the environment.

Key accountabilities:

• Develop evidence‑based policies, plans and projects for a portfolio/mode/geographic area, including option generation, analysis, commissioning research, conducting best practice reviews, and understanding operational and stakeholder needs.
• Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing TfL on important working groups, at meetings, seminars, events and conferences and providing expert advice on specific areas of focus.
• Work with the GLA, boroughs and others to shape their strategies and plans to better integrate transport and land use planning, ensure transport priorities are fully understood and reflected, and to develop and promote best practice and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing London.
• Act as the lead for assigned projects, managing inputs from across TfL and beyond, balancing competing priorities, negotiating key outcomes with external parties and providing advice to senior colleagues.
• Work flexibly in a matrix environment and manage a diverse range of projects to support TfL priorities, including resource planning, commissioning of work, management of virtual cross‑functional teams, and provide guidance to less experienced colleagues.
• Draft briefings, reports, presentations for senior people internally/externally to influence and support decisions around the development and promotion of policies / area plans / projects and build alliances & resolve issues to secure wider buy‑in.
• Manage complex modal, area, corridor or other studies to understand the transport challenges and develop potential options to address them, including the appraisal of schemes and policies and development of robust business cases.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Relevant qualification at degree level or higher and/or professional membership / qualification of a recognised professional Institution (e.g. ICE; IHT; CILT; RTPI) or equivalent experience (essential).
• In depth knowledge and practical application of emerging best practices in some of the following areas: transport, economics, appraisal, land use planning, environment, public health and urban design (essential).
• Detailed understanding of cities from the perspective of transport systems, health and environment, particularly London and its governance (essential).
• Detailed understanding of transport planning and the wider context to the development of projects and proposals (essential).
• Comprehensive understanding of TfL's financial, legal, political and regulatory environment (desirable).
• Detailed understanding of project management processes including their strategic transport context (desirable).

Experience:

• Experience of managing elements of the development of project, programme, planning or policy.
• Experience of working in a flexible, multi‑disciplinary teams, including managing specific resources (cost and people) within this environment.
• Experience of specifying, producing presenting and reviewing complex information in a simple way material for key stakeholders (internal and external).
• Experience of managing resources, including cost and people, to meet an objective.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

At Transport for London, safety, trust and fairness sit at the heart of how we recruit. Our Vetting Charter explains the checks we carry out before you join us, helping ensure we create a safe, inclusive and reliable network for everyone who depends on our services. We simply ask that the information you provide is honest and accurate so we can progress your application smoothly. If something doesn’t match or can’t be verified, we may not be able to move forward with your application but we’ll always treat you with transparency, respect and clear communication throughout.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

• Final salary pension scheme.
• Free travel for you on the TfL network.
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket.
• 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
• Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional).
• Tax‑efficient cycle‑to‑work programme.

The closing date for applications is 1st September 2026 @ 23:59. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right‑to‑work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. At the present time TfL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.