Luton Borough Council

Principal Transport Planner
£48,710 - £51,802 a year pro rata plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Fixed Term / Secondment (18 months)
Ref LBC03948

About the Job

As Principal Transport Planner, you will play a central role in shaping the future of transport in Luton, with a key focus on improving and integrating surface access connections to London Luton Airport. This is a strategic position that requires vision, leadership, and a deep understanding of transport planning to ensure Luton continues to grow as a connected, sustainable and thriving place to live, work and travel through.

You will lead the council’s work on transport and highway matters relating to the airport, acting as a senior advisor and decision-maker on all aspects of transport planning and policy development. From developing the Vauxhall Way Improvement Scheme, to delivering a broad range of sustainable transport projects across the town, you will be responsible for ensuring projects are aligned with both local and national priorities and delivered to the highest standards.

Your work will extend beyond projects to include developing long-term strategies and technical plans, conducting research and data analysis, and representing the council in forums at regional and national levels. You’ll be a key contact for external stakeholders and work in close collaboration with other council teams, offering transport expertise that influences wider regeneration, planning and policy efforts. This role requires a strategic thinker who can also deliver tangible outcomes that benefit the local community and contribute to a smarter, greener transport network.

About you

A transport planning professional with significant experience in shaping policy and delivering complex transport projects. Whether from a local authority, consultancy, or related background, you bring a proven track record of leading initiatives from concept through to implementation. Your expertise covers a broad range of transport matters, including highways, sustainable and active travel, and data-led transport strategy development.

Your combined technical knowledge with excellent communication skills, can convey complex ideas clearly to a variety of stakeholders and write reports that inform decisions at all levels. You are adept at building and maintaining collaborative relationships, with internal teams, government bodies, consultants, and the public, plus have the confidence to represent the council in public meetings and committees.

With strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of transport legislation, modelling techniques, and innovation in the sector, you can drive new approaches and apply best practice to deliver impactful solutions. You are highly organised, able to work independently and juggle multiple priorities while staying focused on long-term outcomes.

Educated to degree level or equivalent in transport planning or a related field. Ready to take the lead in transforming Luton's transport future.

Closing date: Friday 27 June 2025.

For further information and to apply, please click here.