Job Title: Principal Transport Planner
Salary: £53,460 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: G
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31 March 2028
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Department

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.

About the Role

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.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

• 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.

DBS Check: Not Required

Benefits of Working with Us

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

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 4th June 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 28th June 2026

Interview Date: W/C 13th July 2026

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Navtej Tung – Strategic Transport Manager

ntung@thurrock.gov.uk | 01375 652219

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.