AECOM
Global infrastructure consulting and program management
Principal Town Planner - Policy
The role is based in the London Aldgate Tower office, with other UK locations potentially considered. In-person Day 1 onboarding is required.
About the job
- Significant relevant experience leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in a consultancy or public sector role.
- Existing relationships with clients and local authorities.
- Demonstrable experience of work winning and developing relationships with existing and new clients.
- A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or an equivalent professional body.
- Participate in the successful operation and management of the town planning team.
- Lead and assist on planning policy projects, including local authority policy and strategy development, local plan evidence studies, strategic growth studies, infrastructure strategies, and other policy and strategy commissions.
- Provide strategic planning advice to client and internal teams.
- Represent the organisation and develop and manage relationships with clients, local authorities, and other stakeholders through project work, conferences, and networking events.
- Share technical knowledge and promote technical excellence.
- Ensure projects are delivered successfully within budget and programme timelines.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams for project execution.
- Oversee deliverables produced by the planning policy team.
- Implement and uphold quality assurance and health and safety principles.
- Contribute to the business development strategy and nurture client relationships.
- Lead and assist in preparing commercial tenders to secure new opportunities.
- Client focus, good interpersonal skills, and a collaborative working approach.
About the company
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that provides a wide range of services, including architecture, design, construction management, engineering, environmental services, and program management, to government agencies, private companies, and non-profits. Its work centers on managing and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, from planning and design to construction and operation, with fees tied to the project type and scope. Unlike firms with a narrower focus, AECOM offers end-to-end support across transportation, buildings, cities, and overall infrastructure, combining technical expertise with project oversight and sustainability considerations. The company aims to improve the world by enhancing natural and social systems, promoting equity and inclusion, and driving responsible, lasting outcomes for communities.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Dallas, Texas
Founded
1990
Get referred to AECOM
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- AECOM reported record backlog of $27.8 billion and 13% growth on August 10, 2026.
- AECOM won Pure Water Silicon Valley and Ontario Pumped Storage assignments in September 2026.
- AECOM's international wins and backlog support revenue visibility across 2027 and beyond.
What critics are saying
- AECOM's $337 million legacy project charge cut Q3 fiscal 2026 profit on August 10, 2026.
- AECOM pursues claims for years while completion slips to fiscal 2027, pressuring cash flow.
- AECOM faces fresh Golden 1 Center litigation from Sacramento Kings ownership on September 18, 2026.
What makes AECOM unique
- AECOM and Jacobs won Dublin MetroLink delivery partner on September 10, 2026.
- AECOM won New Zealand's Northland Corridor Section One design role on August 31, 2026.
- AECOM's water, transportation, and hydropower platform spans Valley Water, Ontario, and Dublin.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -2%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -2%AECOM has secured Ireland's largest railway contract as part of a joint venture with Jacobs to deliver MetroLink, the country's first fully segregated metro system. The project will connect North County Dublin, Dublin Airport, and the city centre through 16 new stations. The win comes despite AECOM reporting a $337 million charge that eliminated its third-quarter profit. The charge stems from a 2019 Construction Management project facing cost overruns due to lower subcontractor productivity. The project won't reach substantial completion until the second quarter of fiscal 2027. AECOM's total backlog reached a record $27.8 billion in the third quarter, up 13% year-over-year. International revenue rose 6%, with adjusted operating margin expanding 240 basis points to 14.3%. The company is pursuing claims to recover costs from the troubled project, though management acknowledges full resolution will take years.
Worley-led team to support next phase of Canadian pumped storage project. Canadian energy firm TC Energy has selected Worley, together with EllisDon and Aecom, to advance the next development phase of the 1,000MW Ontario Pumped Storage Project. The proposed multi-billion-dollar Ontario Pumped Storage Project (OPSP) is currently progressing through the planning and development phases, with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada overseeing the federal Impact Assessment process. Last month, TC Energy announced that it had selected a team led by Worley, supported by EllisDon and Aecom, to advance detailed engineering, project design, cost estimates, execution planning and overall project readiness activities for OPSP. Located in Meaford, Ontario, the project could provide approximately 1,000MW of generation capacity and 10,600MWh of energy storage. If built, it would pump water from Georgian Bay to an upper reservoir during periods of low electricity demand and release it back through turbines during periods of high demand, generating electricity for the grid. In TC Energy's 2026 Initial Project Description, the OPSP reservoir is described as being located "close to Georgian Bay on top of the level plateau of the Niagara Escarpment, approximately 174m above Georgian Bay's surface and 2,300m from its shore". The reservoir would have a capacity of approximately 26 million m[3] and would be formed by constructing a 4.5km long ring dam around approximately 135ha of land. The pumped storage powerhouse could include four 250MW reversible pump turbine generators in underground chambers accessed by a tunnel. Potential construction methods for the powerhouse include underground mining and surface excavation methods. The lower inlet and outlet structure is currently envisioned as an underground ring-type structure on or below the lakebed, with multiple screened inlet and outlet ports located above the lakebed. Related questions you can explore with Ask GE, its new AI search engine. Aecom's Canada chief executive Richard Barrett said: "Ontario is entering a period of significant electricity demand growth, making long-duration energy storage increasingly important to a reliable and flexible electricity system. "The OPSP represents an opportunity to apply proven technology at a scale that can help meet the province's future electricity needs. We are proud to bring our Canadian and global hydropower expertise to this landmark project and help advance it toward an informed investment decision." Aecom will specifically support the advancement of the project's underground works and hydraulic systems to help optimise the design for constructability, operability and long-term performance.
AECOM, Jacobs JV to build Dublin's first metro. 2 hours An AECOM and Jacobs JV, supported by Ramboll and Nicolas O'Dwyer, has been appointed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to deliver Dublin's first metro railway. The rail connection, between North County Dublin, Dublin Airport and the city centre, aims to support future growth, reducing congestion and enhancing mobility across Ireland's capital. The AECOM and Jacobs joint venture will support the procurement and delivery of the metro system, bringing integrated programme management, governance and risk management to one of Ireland's largest infrastructure investments. MetroLink is expected to become Ireland's first fully segregated metro railway and a critical component of the country's future transport network, supporting population growth, economic development and decarbonisation goals while improving connectivity across the Greater Dublin Area. The predominantly underground high-capacity, high-frequency system will include 16 new stations connecting Swords in North County Dublin with Dublin Airport and the city centre, while integrating with Irish Rail, Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter rail, Luas light rail and BusConnects services to support a more connected and sustainable transportation network. The team will support TII through an integrated delivery model designed to enhance governance, manage interfaces across multiple contracts and provide transparency throughout the programme lifecycle. The team will help manage risk, improve certainty and support efficient delivery of the nationally significant infrastructure investment. The joint venture will be supported by affiliates Ramboll and Nicholas O'Dwyer.
AECOM bolsters transportation business with new Highways & Streets Sector Director appointment. Darren Cook brings over 25 years of experience in transport planning, major scheme development and programme delivery, having worked on projects including the Lower Thames Crossing and Silvertown Tunnel LONDON (11 September, 2026) - AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, has appointed Darren Cook as Highways & Streets Sector Director for its Europe and India region, strengthening its transportation leadership team and supporting the company's continued growth across this market. Darren joins AECOM from Arcadis, where he was Sector Director for Highways & Aviation in the UK & Ireland and a member of the UK & Ireland Mobility Executive Leadership Team. He brings more than 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, including senior leadership positions with Arcadis and Jacobs, as well as earlier roles with Kent County Council and Sinclair Knight Merz. Darren has worked across some of the UK's most significant transportation programmes and infrastructure projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing and the Silvertown Tunnel. He has considerable experience developing strategic client relationships, having worked with national and regional government, local authorities, combined authorities, National Highways and Transport for London, among others, having led multidisciplinary teams across the UK, Europe and internationally. Steve Higham, Managing Director for Transportation, AECOM, said: "Darren brings an exceptional combination of strategic insight, deep sector expertise and a strong track record of building trusted client relationships and high-performing teams. His experience working alongside government, the public sector and the wider transportation industry will be a valuable addition to our Transportation leadership team. As we continue to invest in our highways and streets capabilities and pursue opportunities that support more connected, resilient and sustainable communities, Darren's collaborative approach and industry relationships will be a significant asset to our clients and our people." Darren Cook, Highways & Streets Sector Director, AECOM, said: "I'm delighted to be joining AECOM at such an exciting time for the transportation sector. Highways and streets are fundamental to how our communities connect, grow and thrive, and there is a significant opportunity to bring together the expertise of our people, our clients and our delivery partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. I look forward to working with colleagues across AECOM to develop lasting partnerships, create opportunities for our people to develop, and deliver outstanding outcomes for clients and communities." Darren is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transport and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a member of the UK Highway Sector Council and has held a number of industry-facing roles focused on sector leadership, professional development and future workforce capability. Darren Cook, Highways & Streets Sector Director, Europe & India, AECOM About AECOM AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, AECOM Corporation solve its clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Its teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. Media contacts * jason marshall, global * quincy zhai, americas * rebecca adam, australia & new zealand * rebecca lam, asia pacific * rachel brierley, Europe & India * bahaa hage, middle east & africa.
AECOM joins Ontario pumped storage project team. AECOM will support underground works and hydraulic systems for the proposed 1000MW Canadian pumped storage development. AECOM has been appointed by Worley to support the next phase of engineering and planning for the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Project in Canada. The company will join the Worley-led team progressing the development, which is planned for Meaford, Ontario. The pumped storage project is expected to provide approximately 1000MW of generating capacity and 10,600MWh of energy storage. Under its scope of work, AECOM will support the development of the project's underground works and hydraulic systems. Its work will focus on optimising the design for constructability, operability and long-term performance. AECOM will also contribute to cost and schedule development, risk assessment and other engineering activities as the project advances towards an investment decision. "Ontario is entering a period of significant electricity demand growth, making long-duration energy storage increasingly important to a reliable and flexible electricity system," said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM's Canada region. "The Ontario Pumped Storage Project represents an opportunity to apply proven technology at a scale that can help meet the province's future electricity needs. We are proud to bring our Canadian and global hydropower expertise to this landmark project and help advance it toward an informed investment decision." AECOM said the appointment builds on its hydropower experience and its involvement in pumped storage projects internationally. Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.