Principal Transport Planner

Permanent Role With A Local Authority

The Principal Transport Planner is responsible for leading the development and delivery of strategic transport policies, plans, and infrastructure initiatives that support sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and enhanced transport networks across Herefordshire. The role provides strategic leadership in transport planning, policy development, funding acquisition, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring transport considerations are integrated into wider council priorities and investment decisions. The post holder will play a key role in shaping the future transport system for residents, businesses, and visitors while supporting sustainable and inclusive transport solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic transport policies, plans, and programmes across Herefordshire.
  


• Develop and deliver the Local Transport Plan and other transport strategies that support sustainable growth and connectivity.
  


• Lead transport policy development across all modes of transport, including public transport, rail, bus, walking, cycling, wheeling, and highway infrastructure.
  


• Identify, secure, and manage transport funding opportunities from government and external funding bodies.
  


• Commission, manage, and oversee transport studies, projects, consultants, and external service providers.
  


• Provide expert transport planning advice to senior officers, elected members, partners, and stakeholders.
  


• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, transport operators, government agencies, businesses, and community groups.
  


• Engage with residents and stakeholders to ensure transport solutions are inclusive, practical, and responsive to local needs.
  


• Monitor emerging transport trends, legislation, and policy developments to inform strategic planning and service improvement.
  


• Support infrastructure planning that facilitates housing delivery, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved accessibility.
  


• Contribute to service development, policy innovation, staff development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  


• Analyse transport data and evidence to support decision-making, investment priorities, and business case development.
  


• Promote sustainable transport initiatives that improve connectivity, reduce environmental impacts, and support healthier communities.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in transport planning, transportation, planning, geography, engineering, or a related discipline.
  


• Strong understanding of current transport policy, legislation, and sustainable transport principles.
  


• Experience developing and implementing transport policies, strategies, and programmes.
  


• Knowledge of national transport policy frameworks and statutory requirements relating to local transport planning.
  


• Experience securing funding and developing business cases for transport initiatives.
  


• Experience managing projects, consultants, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
  


• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to translate policy into practical outcomes.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams, organisations, and partnerships.
  

Desirable

• Professional qualification or membership of a relevant professional body.
  


• Experience within local government, public sector transport planning, or infrastructure planning.
  


• Experience in rail, bus, active travel, or integrated transport strategy development.
  


• Experience supporting staff development, training, or mentoring activities.
  


• Experience delivering large-scale transport infrastructure or policy programmes.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Hereford, United Kingdom (Hybrid working available)
  


• Hours per Week: 37 hours per week