Market
Cities & Places
Principal Transport Planner - Development Management
Birmingham, UK
Posted on Jun 29, 2026
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
Transport Planning & Mobility Solutions at Jacobs is one of the leading teams in the UK and Ireland, with a strong pipeline of work, a diverse client base, and opportunities to support major projects both locally and internationally.
And due to those growing opportunities, we are now looking for a Principal or Associate Director Transport Planner with experience in Highways Development Management to join our team in Birmingham or Bristol.
This will be a Development Management-focused role within transport planning where you’ll act on behalf of local and national highway authorities, leading and supporting the provision of transport advice to public sector clients—primarily in the context of the planning system.
You’ll play a key role in providing transport advice and reviewing and responding to planning applications, ensuring developments are safe, policy-compliant, and deliverable. Your ability to work independently, apply sound judgement, and communicate technical advice clearly will be critical, particularly within a busy team environment where your input will be valued from day one.
Beyond project delivery, you’ll support the development of junior team members, helping build capability within a specialist area where experience is in high demand.
You’ll also contribute to maintaining strong relationships with local authority clients and supporting the continued growth of the team.
The role offers exposure to a broad range of schemes—from local developments through to projects affecting the strategic road network. You’ll engage with planners, developers, and other stakeholders, challenge proposals where needed, and ensure that transport considerations are properly integrated into development decisions.
In return, you’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous development. You’ll have the opportunity to further strengthen your expertise in Development Management, contribute to meaningful projects, and play a visible role in shaping how places grow and function.
If you enjoy taking ownership, influencing planning decisions, and seeing the tangible impact of your work on real developments, this role could be great!
Here's what you'll need
- Degree qualified in Transport Planning or a related discipline (e.g. Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning).
- Proven Highways Development Management experience within transport planning, including acting on behalf of Highway Authorities, reviewing planning applications, and applying policy with sound, balanced judgement.
- Strong technical capability, including reviewing transport assessments, analysing data, and providing clear, practical recommendations.
At Jacobs, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover:
A global network of expertise and opportunity
A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging /working arrangements that support your well-being and potential to make a real-world impact through our global giving and volunteering programs
Up to 10% pension
24 days (+10 days bought) holidays
Free medical and income protection insurance and many more!
Ready to shape the future of transport and join us creating smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions that transform communities and improve lives.
Apply Below Now to Start Your Journey with Jacobs!
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Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.
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As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
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Locations
| City | State | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | Bristol City | United Kingdom |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | United Kingdom |
