Transport Planner - Senior or Principal, Manchester

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

As our transport planning business continues to grow across the North West, we have got an opening for a talented Senior or Principal Transport Planner to join our expanding Manchester team. We're looking for a Transport Planner who combines technical excellence with strategic thinking and a passion for delivering positive outcomes for clients, communities and the environment.

You'll bring strong experience in transport planning and modelling, using your expertise to solve complex challenges, shape investment decisions and support the delivery of sustainable transport solutions. With a sound understanding of transport modelling, appraisal and business case development, you'll provide robust, evidence-based insights that help clients make informed decisions and progress major infrastructure, active travel and future mobility schemes.

As a trusted professional, you'll lead the delivery of complex projects, providing technical guidance, quality assurance and practical solutions while effectively managing programmes, stakeholders and client relationships. Your analytical mindset and commercial awareness will help ensure successful outcomes across a diverse portfolio of work.

Just as importantly, you'll contribute to the growth of our Manchester transport planning team. Through mentoring and developing colleagues, sharing knowledge and embracing innovation in digital tools, data analytics and emerging technologies, you'll help strengthen our capability and continue building a culture of collaboration, technical excellence and continuous improvement.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead the development, calibration, validation and application of strategic, multi-modal, mesoscopic and microsimulation transport models.
• Deliver complex transport planning and modelling projects from conception through to successful completion.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and quality assurance across project teams.
• Apply and interpret Department for Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) and wider industry best practice.
• Review and approve technical reports, modelling outputs and key project deliverables.
• Drive innovation through the use of advanced analytics, digital tools, data science and emerging transport technologies.
• Support the development of business cases that secure investment and influence strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the planning and appraisal of active travel, sustainable transport and multi-modal schemes.
• Manage programmes, budgets, resources and commercial performance to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Lead technical input to bids, tenders and framework opportunities.
• Develop trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor and support the development of graduate, assistant and consultant-level team members.

This is more than a technical role. It's an opportunity to shape the future of transport, influence investment decisions, and help create sustainable, connected communities that improve people's lives.

Here's what you'll need:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Transport Planning, Engineering, Mathematics, Geography, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, or a related analytical discipline.
• Strong understanding of transport modelling principles, methodologies and industry best practice.
• Experience developing, calibrating, validating and applying transport models from first principles.
• Experience using PTV VISUM and/or other transport modelling platforms.
• Knowledge of transport appraisal and business case development.
• Good understanding of Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) and related industry guidance.
• Desirable experience would include exposure to strategic, mesoscopic or microsimulation modelling platforms such as VISUM, VISSIM, SATURN, EMME or Cube, alongside experience in business case development, economic appraisal, active travel and sustainable transport projects.
• Knowledge of Local Transport Plans, route strategies, transport policy development, or programming and automation tools such as Python, VBA, R or SQL would also be advantageous.

At Jacobs, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover:

• A global network of expertise, innovation and opportunity.
• A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support your wellbeing and professional growth.
• Structured career development supported by technical and professional leaders.
• The opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant transport, infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Our Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based progression opportunities.
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
• 24 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• Private medical insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Professional membership support.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Global giving and volunteering programmes.

Ready to shape the future of transport? Join us in creating smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions that transform communities and improve lives.