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- Tasks: Shape sustainable development plans and manage stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in civil engineering and design services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, pension contributions, and free medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community planning while working in an inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in Geography, Planning, or Engineering; experience in transport or sustainable development preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we welcome diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Planning Development Manager (Highways)
The Local Plans & Strategic Development team, where the role is based, supports the planning process in terms of identification of the most sustainable sites for growth and supports the evolution of those sites through the master‑planning process / pre‑application process.
You will be part of a wider team that also deals with Development Management and is the home of a head of profession who is focussed on influencing the design of places which encourage active and sustainable travel.
This role focuses on supporting housing and infrastructure development from a transport planning perspective, with involvement in major strategic sites (for example ranging from 300 to 10,000+ homes, as well as retail parks and large‑scale applications).
Your role is not just technical; it plays a critical role in shaping sustainable development plans from a big‑picture perspective, considering wider planning impacts such as drainage, transport access, and the liveability of future communities.
As Cities & Places, we create thriving places across different scales: from regions to cities, neighbourhoods to individual buildings, by offering an integrated design approach. We have a tremendous opportunity to build upon strength to develop an interdisciplinary planning, design and delivery practice that is uniquely Jacobs, that sets the direction for the industry and is home to the very best and brightest design thinkers, disruptors, technical experts, visionaries and storytellers.
A key part of the role will be evaluating the suitability of development locations, negotiating with and managing multiple stakeholders, and ensuring responses are aligned with the county council\’s objectives. This position will require strong relationship‑building, negotiation skills, and awareness of the political environment.
Working collaboratively with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and its supply chain, Jacobs provides program / asset management and technical support to the Highway and Environmental service – to protect and maximise value from HCC\’s £8 billion of highway, structures, and environmental assets.
Responsibilities
- Support the Local Plan and Strategic Development Team in leading the One Service approach to Place Making.
- Work closely with the Strategy and Programme Managers to develop programmes of work, manage the communications with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and external partners while supporting the Local Plan process.
- Support the development of master plans for strategic developments ensuring the Highways interests are represented at an early stage.
- Contribute to the team, and the unit, in terms of researching and sharing best practice, developing new ideas and supporting the development of members of the team.
Qualifications
- A relevant degree (e.g. Geography, Planning or Engineering) or suitable relevant experience.
- An interest in transport, planning, and / or sustainable development issues.
- Confident interpersonal and communication skills – ability to work effectively with people at all levels in the organisation, manage conflict and build connections.
Ideally, we are looking for a strong relationship builder with strong Urban / Transport / Highway or similar planning awareness, including knowledge of local plans, urban planning principles, place‑making, and national policy frameworks like the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). The successful candidate will be sensitive to political dynamics, able to engage with elected members, and respond on behalf of the council in a public‑facing role.
We work exclusively for Hertfordshire County Council acting as the Highway Authority in its role as statutory consultee.
Stephenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Planning Development Manager (Highways) employer: Jacobs
Contact Detail:
Jacobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Development Manager (Highways)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hertfordshire County Council's objectives and current local plans. Understanding their priorities will help you align your discussions and proposals with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning and highways sectors. Attend local planning meetings or forums to build relationships and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the area, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to handle complex situations, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on national policy frameworks like the NPPF. Being knowledgeable about these policies will not only enhance your understanding of the role but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Development Manager (Highways)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Planning Development Manager (Highways) position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, such as the need for experience in transport and planning, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your background in urban planning, transport issues, and any experience you have with local plans or sustainable development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable development and your ability to manage stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your negotiation skills, relationship-building abilities, and knowledge of national policy frameworks like the NPPF. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Planning Development Manager role, especially the key responsibilities like supporting the Local Plan process and developing master plans. Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' approach to sustainable development and how it aligns with Hertfordshire County Council's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and manage stakeholders effectively. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully navigated complex negotiations or collaborated with various parties to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Planning Principles
Brush up on your knowledge of local plans, urban planning principles, and national policy frameworks like the NPPF. Be ready to discuss how these elements influence decision-making in planning and development, particularly in relation to highways.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires confident interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with different levels of an organisation and managed conflicts in the past.