Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultant Town Planner

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Working here means contributing to major projects that shape communities and the environment, with a focus on building a better world. The company's emphasis on collaboration and professional development makes it an attractive place for planners seeking impactful work.

About This Role

As a Consultant Town Planner at AECOM, you will lead the planning process for major development applications, ensuring they align with regulatory frameworks and sustainability goals. Your work directly influences project success by coordinating multidisciplinary teams and preparing key documents like Planning Statements. This role offers the opportunity to shape large-scale infrastructure projects that leave a lasting legacy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team meeting to review progress on a major development application, followed by drafting a Planning Statement. You might then liaise with environmental consultants on an EIA or coordinate with the design team to ensure compliance. The afternoon could involve a client call to discuss planning risks and a site visit to assess constraints.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Experienced in town planning with a focus on infrastructure projects, demonstrating a track record of managing complex applications.
  • Proficient in planning research and analysis, able to identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills, capable of liaising with clients, authorities, and the public.
  • Knowledgeable in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and development consent regimes, ensuring compliance and sustainability.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your CV to highlight experience with major infrastructure projects and any involvement in EIA processes.

2

In your cover letter, mention specific AECOM projects you admire and how your skills align with their sustainability goals.

3

Demonstrate your ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams by providing examples of successful collaboration on past projects.

4

Research AECOM's recent planning applications and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Prepare a portfolio of planning statements or design and access statements you have contributed to, if possible.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with major development applications and how you have navigated complex planning regimes.', 'Highlight your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and manage project timelines effectively.', "Show your commitment to sustainability and how it aligns with AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies.", 'Mention specific knowledge of UK planning law, EIA regulations, and development consent orders relevant to infrastructure.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore AECOM's portfolio of infrastructure projects, particularly in the UK, to understand their scale and impact.
  • Read about AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate environmental considerations into planning.
  • Look into AECOM's recent planning applications and any public consultations to grasp their approach to community engagement.
  • Familiarize yourself with AECOM's corporate values and culture, especially their focus on innovation and collaboration.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a major infrastructure project you worked on; what were the key planning challenges and how did you address them?
2 How do you approach stakeholder engagement for contentious development proposals?
3 What is your experience with Environmental Impact Assessment? Walk us through a recent EIA you were involved in.
4 How do you ensure compliance with development consent regimes in your planning work?
5 Tell us about a time you coordinated a multidisciplinary team to meet a tight project deadline.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic applications; failing to mention specific AECOM projects or sustainability focus can seem disinterested.
  • Do not overlook the importance of EIA knowledge; this is a key requirement and should be prominently featured.
  • Avoid being too vague about your experience with major applications; provide concrete examples and outcomes.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!