Principal Transport Planner

The Strategic Transportation Team oversees three key areas of work related to transport services within Thurrock - Strategic Transport (Transport Policy and Modal Shift); Road Safety Education; and Transport Mobility (Bus). This role sits within the Strategic Transport function but will work with colleagues across the wider team and with colleagues across the Council to deliver our core priorities and statutory duties. The Strategic Transport Team is primarily responsible for delivering the Council's Local Transport Plan and supporting policy frameworks, while also promoting modal shift, in particular the transition to walking, cycling and wheeling across the borough. We work closely with Major Employers and Businesses in Thurrock through the Travel Plan process, while working with stakeholders to develop opportunities for new and improved transport infrastructure for the residents and workers of Thurrock., As a Principal Transport Planner, you will be responsible for:

• Aligning Strategic Transport functions and policies align with the wider council corporate objectives;
• Overseeing the delivery of key components of the Local Transport Plan, in particular subject-specific strategies and policies alongside the soon to be adopted Transport Strategy 2026-2040;
• Support the development of the council's walking, cycling and wheeling agenda, working collaboratively with the Council's Transport Delivery Service and with Active Travel England;
• Overseeing input into the Development Management process related to Active Travel Infrastructure, Modal Shift, Travel Plans, and any other appropriate considerations, working collaboratively with colleagues from the Highways Development Management team to develop joint responses;
• Working with key stakeholders both within and external to the council to promote and deliver the wider national, regional, and local transport agenda
This role offers the chance to make a real difference by helping set into place the framework for improved transport opportunities across the borough, supporting its ambitious growth and delivery agenda.


• Significant experience working in Local Transport Authority environment at a Senior or Principal level
• Alternatively, experience of policy and strategy development, with an ability to integrate transport principles into workstreams
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Project Management and commissioning experience to work with third parties and consultants to support the delivery of priorities and outputs
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with partners and colleagues both within and external to the council
Essential qualifications: Transport related degree or other qualifications, or alternatively experience within Local Authority, transport policy or policy and strategy development roles at a Principal level.

Why Thurrock? Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. Our location Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents. We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes. Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road. Staff benefits We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome. Further information can be found here Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do. For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment