Senior Town Planner
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
You will be joining Arup’s Town Planning team within the Cities, Planning & Design portfolio, working at the forefront of projects that help shape future growth across the UK. Our planners guide development proposals through the consenting and policy development process, working with major public and private‑sector clients across sectors including energy, water, transport and commercial development. We work as part of integrated, multidisciplinary teams alongside environmental specialists, transport planners, designers and engineers to deliver sustainable outcomes for communities, environments and economies.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Town Planner to join our established North Planning team, based in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds or Sheffield. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects, from small to medium‑sized schemes through to nationally significant infrastructure projects, contributing to sustainable forms of development across the UK.
You will support and lead elements of planning work across a range of consenting and policy activities, including major and complex planning applications in growth markets. The role provides scope to influence planning policy, contribute to plan‑making and urban regeneration, and represent clients through the planning and consenting process.
Working as part of a collaborative regional team, you will coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, manage your own workstreams and support the wider team in delivering a high‑quality, professional service. The role offers flexibility in responsibility, allowing you to grow into leadership at a pace that suits your experience and career stage.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
We are keen to hear from planners who are motivated by collaboration, quality and shaping places. You are likely to bring:
A degree‑level qualification in a town planning or related discipline, and MRTPI status (or working towards chartership)
Experience in the preparation and submission of planning applications, including managing small assignments or elements of larger projects
A strong understanding of planning legislation, policy and guidance (ideally across England and Wales)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to internal and external audiences
A collaborative, organised approach, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and support the development of others
Not ready to apply just yet or have some questions? Contact Drina Zupanovic at Drina.Zupanovicgerard@arup.com - Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.Zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
Closing Date: 27.05.2026
We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.
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