Principal Town Planner

About the role

Prime Town Planner to lead infrastructure planning projects across the UK, with a focus on DCO projects and renewable energy, transport, water, and defence infrastructure.

AECOM is a market leader in UK infrastructure development, delivering major infrastructure projects through over 80 DCO projects.

• Solar DCOs and future pipeline
• Carbon capture and storage projects
• Energy transmission schemes
• Large aviation and rail projects
• Housing and mixed‑use development consenting

Role can be based from AECOM offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Leeds, London Aldgate, Manchester, Nottingham, Plymouth, with hybrid working options.

• Project leadership and delivery – lead and assist delivery of major development applications, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, submit and manage planning applications, liaise and negotiate with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.
• Planning and advisory services – provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights, produce planning feasibility reports and consent strategies, write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements.
• Client and business development – contribute to business development in specific market sectors, identify opportunities, build client relationships, prepare successful commercial tenders.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement – work closely with the Environmental Impact Assessment team, participate in internal and external meetings with stakeholders.
• Project and operational management – oversee project management, ensuring quality and adherence to health and safety principles.

• Education & Membership – Degree in Town Planning or related discipline; membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
• Experience – significant relevant experience leading applications for planning consent for large infrastructure projects across a range of consenting regimes; expert witness experience advantageous.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations – client focus, strong interpersonal skills, collaborative working approach; existing relationships with clients and local authorities; business development mindset with demonstrated success in winning and developing relationships.
• Skills – clear and concise written communication; ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Quality & Commitment – high level of commitment to quality.

AECOM is a world‑leading infrastructure consultancy delivering professional services across the project lifecycle. We are a Fortune 500 firm with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and environmental stewardship. AECOM provides a wide range of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to support our employees and their families.

AECOM is an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.