At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape Heathrow's future by developing planning strategies for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join the iconic Heathrow Airport, a hub of innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK aviation and infrastructure while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
Reporting to the Head of Town Planning and Consenting, the Town Planning Manager plays a key role in shaping Heathrow’s sustainable future by developing and implementing planning and consenting strategies that support the airport’s long-term growth and investment ambitions. The role is responsible for helping secure the planning consents required to deliver Heathrow’s capital investment programmes, working across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and development projects.
Drawing on expertise in both the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) and Development Consent Order (DCO) regimes, you will provide strategic planning guidance that enables successful project delivery while balancing operational, environmental and community considerations. This is an opportunity to influence some of the UK’s most significant aviation and infrastructure developments. You will provide trusted advice on national, regional and local planning policy, helping to shape and influence emerging policy frameworks, including matters relating to the Airports National Policy Statement, to protect and promote Heathrow’s interests.
Success in the role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, commercial awareness and the ability to navigate complex planning challenges with confidence and credibility. As a visible and collaborative presence at Heathrow’s Compass Centre, you will build strong relationships across the business, with external partners and key decision-makers, ensuring planning considerations are effectively integrated into strategic and operational decision-making.
Our rewards include competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. We offer performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. We also provide varied learning and development opportunities.
Working Location: Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.
Sustainable Travel to work: Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.
Equal Opportunities: As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.
Our Heathrow Expansion programme offers a unique and exciting opportunity to play a defining role in one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. You’ll help shape a national legacy that millions will experience for decades to come, as we deliver the third runway, improve passenger experience, stimulate jobs and opportunities across the UK, and strengthen the global connectivity that powers trade and travel.
Modernising and expanding the UK’s only hub airport and critical national infrastructure whilst keeping it fully operational and safe, creates a pace and complexity unlike other major programmes. It demands collaboration, resilience, problem solving and a desire to take on challenges that genuinely matter.
You’ll be part of a diverse team of talented colleagues, built on mutual respect and where excellence thrives. It’s an inspiring place to work, with unlimited opportunities to make a difference as you help to shape the future of our world-class airport.
- Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards Chartered Membership
- Relevant DCO experience of developing infrastructure in a planning and consenting role
- Excellent knowledge of UK planning law and regulation as well as policies and procedures
- Significant planning experience within an established UK Planning team
- Significant experience in handling Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Compulsory Acquisition and Statutory Consultation matters related to large infrastructure projects
- Interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Ideally, you will also have:
- Planning, aviation or related post graduate qualifications
- Knowledge in Airspace Change Process
- Interest in public policy and political affairs
Advise the business on all matters relating to planning policy (including the Airports National Policy Statement) and the promotion of capital investment projects through the planning system. Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders in the planning system including local planning authorities, the Planning Inspectorate and other external agencies. Oversee planning applications and other submissions to facilitate delivery of Heathrow’s capital investment plan and ensure advice on all planning matters proactively provided to the business. Provide advice on DCO and consenting activities relating to Heathrow’s long term growth plans, and assist in the development and implementation of a clear consenting strategy, pre-application processes, and preparation and submission of DCO application and any other planning applications. Ensure processes in place to monitor and respond to planning policy and legislative reform and third-party planning applications and deliver robust responses to policy and development consultations in a way that protects and promotes Heathrow’s interests. Ensure processes in place to secure compliance with planning laws and conditions/obligations attached to existing planning consents.
Full time
Town Planning Manager in London employer: Heathrow Airport Holdings
Heathrow Airport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that thrives on innovation and sustainability. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth while contributing to transformative projects that impact millions of passengers. Our inclusive culture, supported by diverse talent networks, ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the world’s most iconic airport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Town Planning Manager in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Heathrow Airport Holdings, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Town Planning Manager at Heathrow Airport Holdings.
We think you need these skills to ace Town Planning Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow Airport Holdings
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
