Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal Town Planner

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM stands out as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure, focusing on innovative solutions that create lasting environmental and community benefits. Their commitment to 'building sustainable legacies' means employees work on transformative projects that shape the UK's future infrastructure while addressing climate challenges. This makes AECOM particularly attractive for planners passionate about meaningful, large-scale impact.

About This Role

As Principal Town Planner at AECOM, you'll lead major development applications, particularly DCO projects, while managing stakeholder relationships with local planning authorities. This role directly impacts UK infrastructure development by creating consent strategies and feasibility reports that determine project viability. You'll also drive business growth by identifying opportunities and preparing commercial tenders for new sustainable projects.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day typically involves reviewing DCO application progress with your team, meeting with local planning authorities to discuss submission requirements, and developing consent strategies for upcoming infrastructure projects. You might spend afternoons preparing feasibility reports for clients, coordinating with environmental and engineering colleagues, and working on tender documents for new business opportunities.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of hands-on experience with DCO (Development Consent Order) projects, specifically within UK infrastructure planning
  • Demonstrates proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through complex planning applications from submission to approval
  • Possesses a track record in business development, including client relationship building and successful tender preparation for planning services
  • Can showcase specific examples of planning feasibility reports and consent strategies they've developed for major developments

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your DCO project experience - specify the number of DCO applications you've worked on, their scale (£ value), and your specific role in each

2

Highlight your experience with UK local planning authorities - name specific councils you've successfully liaised with and outcomes achieved

3

Include a portfolio section showing samples of planning feasibility reports or consent strategies you've produced (redact confidential details)

4

Demonstrate your understanding of AECOM's sustainability focus by mentioning how you've incorporated environmental solutions in previous planning work

5

Reference AECOM's current UK infrastructure projects in your application to show you've researched their portfolio

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with DCO projects - highlight one complex DCO application you led and the outcome', "How you've contributed to business development in previous roles - mention revenue generated or key clients you brought in", 'Your approach to coordinating multi-disciplinary teams on infrastructure projects', "Why AECOM's sustainability focus aligns with your planning philosophy and experience"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's current UK infrastructure projects (check their project portfolio for recent DCO applications)
  • → Their 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy and how it applies to town planning specifically
  • → Recent awards or recognition AECOM has received for sustainable infrastructure in the UK
  • → The structure of AECOM's UK planning team and recent senior appointments

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your most challenging DCO application and how you managed stakeholder conflicts
2 How would you develop a consent strategy for a controversial infrastructure project in the UK?
3 Describe your experience preparing commercial tenders for planning services - what was your win rate?
4 How do you stay current with UK planning policy changes, particularly regarding sustainable development?
5 Give an example where you identified a business development opportunity in infrastructure planning and how you pursued it
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic planning experience examples without specifying DCO project involvement
  • Failing to demonstrate business development experience or commercial awareness
  • Not showing understanding of the multi-disciplinary coordination required for infrastructure projects
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference AECOM's sustainability focus or UK planning context

📅 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

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Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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