Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is one of the world’s leading multi-disciplinary consultancy firms offering unparalleled opportunities for talented individuals in search of a rewarding career. We are currently looking to strengthen and broaden our Planning Team, which works closely with colleagues in Infrastructure and across the firm. We have a range of superb opportunities open across the country.
The Planning team, based in London, Birmingham, Epsom, Bristol, Warrington and Leeds, works directly with Atkins’ wide multi-disciplinary teams in the UK and across the world on a variety of major infrastructure and development projects. The team is one of the UK’s leading consultancies, at the forefront of thought-leadership in the field of planning, economics and international development. It has influenced government thinking on infrastructure delivery and provides strategic planning advice in the UK to central government and its agencies, local enterprise partnerships, local authorities, combined authorities and the private sector. We also work with colleagues leading international development work with international financing institutions and government bodies. We are currently providing strategic planning support for clients including Heathrow, HS2, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for London, Greater London Authority and a number of other Local Authorities.
We are looking for a Senior/ Principal Strategic Policy Planner to join our successful and progressive team of planners and economists which is strongly integrated with our transport, engineering, design and environmental businesses. We operate flexibly across the UK so the successful candidate could be based in any of our hub office locations.
The position requires a Chartered Planner, combining an excellent track record in planning with experience in providing comprehensive advice to the development sector. Atkins recognises the importance and benefits of helping its employees balance their work and home life and offers flexible working arrangements.
Responsibilities:
- Carry out strategic planning research and policy development including for example: assessments of development potential, local plan support and evidence, city and regional plans (UK and international), preparation of Housing Infrastructure projects, Infrastructure delivery studies.
- Identification, development and pursuit of new business and marketing opportunities including leading or supporting on tender responses.
- Develop client network and collaborate with colleagues across Atkins to win work.
- Manage project inputs from a range of disciplines working across the firm.
- Support the provision of strategic and policy planning advice to external and internal clients.
- Deliver strategic advice and consents for residential and commercial development.
- Manage client communication, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and maintain relationships across the organisation to ensure we position ourselves well within the market, assemble technically excellent project teams and deliver high quality quantitative analysis and written work.
- Financial management of projects.
- Provide mentoring and support to junior staff to help the team develop its national capabilities.
Requirements:
- A relevant Town Planning degree or Masters.
- Chartered membership of the RTPI.
- Relevant post-qualification experience, focused primarily on strategic urban planning and evidence base research.
- Experience of undertaking strategic planning and consenting work in the UK.
- A sound, in-depth knowledge of planning law and procedures, including the changing planning system at national, regional and local level.
- Proven experience in the management and delivery of multi-disciplinary projects; capability to work alongside and co-ordinate a range of technical specialists.
- Proven experience of building successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to influence emerging policy at local level.
- A need to demonstrate commercial awareness and proven ability to manage budgets.
- Able to check and review complex documents and summarise and present the key issues in a clear and concise way, understandable to non-specialists.
- Experienced in meeting clients and managing their needs in a confident, professional manner.
- Strong report writing, verbal and presentation skills, and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss town planning issues.
- Excellent time management skills - able to prioritise and work effectively under pressure, with proven success in meeting tight deadlines.
- Flexible, adaptable and prepared to take on new challenges and work from other Atkins or client office locations.
- Personal qualities required include being self-motivated, enthusiastic, determined and resilient and with an ability to inspire.
Training
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
Rewards and Benefits
Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package.
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview.
If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.
