Aecom
Trusted global infrastructure consulting firm delivering engineering, design, construction management services.
Principal Town Planner - Policy
Lead and deliver planning policy projects, manage teams, and develop client relationships.
Job Highlights
About the Role
The Principal Planner role has been created to manage a growing portfolio of planning policy projects across the UK. Based primarily in London’s Aldgate Tower, the position offers hybrid working and can be full‑time or part‑time to suit individual needs. The successful candidate will work with senior colleagues and multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic planning outcomes for public and private sector clients. Key duties include leading and supporting planning policy initiatives such as local plan evidence studies, strategic growth and infrastructure strategies, and providing strategic advice to clients and internal teams. The role also involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring projects are delivered on budget and on schedule, and maintaining high‑quality standards, health‑ and safety compliance, and effective client and stakeholder relationships. Business development responsibilities cover nurturing existing client ties and contributing to commercial tender preparation. • Lead and assist on planning policy projects, including local plan development, strategic growth studies, and infrastructure strategies. • Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams. • Build and manage relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders through project work and networking events. • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless project execution within budget and schedule. • Oversee quality assurance, health and safety, and deliverables from the planning policy team. • Contribute to business development by nurturing client relationships and preparing commercial tenders. • Mentor and support the town planning team’s operations and development. • Produce high‑quality technical reports and communicate findings effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸planning policy
- ▸strategic advice
- ▸client relations
- ▸team coordination
- ▸quality assurance
- ▸business development
What You Bring
The ideal candidate has significant experience leading planning policy and strategy development in consultancy or public‑sector roles, strong client‑focused interpersonal skills, and an established network with local authorities. A business‑development mindset, proven record of winning work, and the ability to produce high‑quality technical reports are essential. Candidates must hold a degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) and be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or an equivalent professional body. • Demonstrate significant experience in planning policy, strategy, and client relationship management. • Hold a degree in Town Planning (or related field) and RTPI (or equivalent) membership.
Requirements
- ▸town planning
- ▸rtpi
- ▸planning policy
- ▸strategy
- ▸client relations
- ▸business development
Benefits
AECOM offers a flexible hybrid working model, career progression, and a supportive learning environment. Employees benefit from a comprehensive compensation and well‑being package, disability‑confident recruitment options, and the chance to work on high‑impact projects within a Fortune 500 firm. The company encourages an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. • Benefit from hybrid working, flexible full‑/part‑time options, and career progression within a global firm. • Access comprehensive compensation, well‑being programs, and disability‑confident recruitment pathways.
Work Environment
Hybrid