Town Planning Manager

Reporting to the Head of Town Planning and Consenting, the Town Planning Manager plays a key role in shaping Heathrow’s sustainable future by developing and implementing planning and consenting strategies that support the airport’s long-term growth and investment ambitions. The role is responsible for helping secure the planning consents required to deliver Heathrow’s capital investment programmes, working across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and development projects. Drawing on expertise in both the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) and Development Consent Order (DCO) regimes, you will provide strategic planning guidance that enables successful project delivery while balancing operational, environmental and community considerations.

This is an opportunity to influence some of the UK’s most significant aviation and infrastructure developments. You will provide trusted advice on national, regional and local planning policy, helping to shape and influence emerging policy frameworks, including matters relating to the Airports National Policy Statement, to protect and promote Heathrow’s interests. Success in the role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, commercial awareness and the ability to navigate complex planning challenges with confidence and credibility. As a visible and collaborative presence at Heathrow’s Compass Centre, you will build strong relationships across the business, with external partners and key decision-makers, ensuring planning considerations are effectively integrated into strategic and operational decision-making.

• Provide strategic planning advice to the business on planning policy, the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), and the progression of major capital investment projects through the planning system.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including local planning authorities, the Planning Inspectorate, statutory consultees, and external agencies, to support successful project delivery.
• Lead the preparation, submission, and management of planning applications, Development Consent Order (DCO) activities, and other consenting requirements, ensuring alignment with Heathrow’s capital investment and growth objectives.
• Develop and implement consenting strategies, including pre-application engagement, regulatory approvals, and planning submissions, while providing proactive advice on planning and development matters.
• Monitor planning policy, legislative changes, and third-party developments, ensuring compliance with planning obligations and conditions, and delivering robust responses that protect and promote Heathrow’s interests.

• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards Chartered Membership
• Relevant DCO experience of developing infrastructure in a planning and consenting role
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning law and regulation as well as policies and procedures
• Significant planning experience within an established UK Planning team
• Significant experience in handling Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Compulsory Acquisition and Statutory Consultation matters related to large infrastructure projects
• Interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Ideally, you will also have

• Planning, aviation or related post graduate qualifications
• Knowledge in Airspace Change Process
• Interest in public policy and political affairs