Principal Urban Designer/Masterplanner

Role Overview We are seeking a Principal Urban Designer to play a senior project‑running role within our urban design and masterplanning team. This position is ideal for an experienced urban designer who is ready to step up from a Senior role and take on greater responsibility for project delivery, client engagement and team support. Within our structure, a Principal Urban Designer leads defined projects or workstreams, working with a high degree of autonomy while being supported by Associate and Director‑level colleagues. The role combines hands‑on design, day‑to‑day project leadership and active involvement with clients and junior team members. Responsibilities Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of urban design and masterplanning projects or defined workstreams, from concept through to completion. Contribute strongly to design development, spatial strategies and design narratives, ensuring high standards of quality and clarity. Exercise sound professional judgement in balancing design quality, deliverability, programme and stakeholder priorities. Review and coordinate project outputs to ensure consistency and quality across drawings, reports and presentations. Manage programme, budget and resources for your projects or workstreams. Coordinate multi‑disciplinary inputs from planning, transport, landscape, architecture, economics and engineering colleagues and external consultants where appropriate. Support effective project delivery with appropriate oversight of internal governance and quality processes. Act as a key day‑to‑day contact for clients on your projects. Lead and contribute to client meetings, design reviews, workshops and stakeholder sessions. Communicate clearly and confidently with clients, helping to build trusted and productive working relationships. Provide day‑to‑day guidance and mentoring to junior urban designers. Support line managers and Associates in the development of junior staff through informal mentoring and project‑based learning. Contribute positively and help shape a collaborative and supportive team culture. Contribute to bids, tenders and fee proposals, including methodology writing and design input. Support senior colleagues in identifying opportunities and maintaining client relationships. Qualifications & Experience Experience in urban design and/or masterplanning. A Master's degree in Urban Design or a related discipline (with a first degree in architecture, landscape architecture or similar preferred). Strong experience across UK‑based and International projects, particularly residential‑led development, urban regeneration or strategic land. A good working understanding of the UK planning system, including experience contributing to SPDs, outline applications and design codes. Experience on infrastructure‑related or complex urban regeneration projects is advantageous. Prior exposure to work‑winning activities will be an advantage. Skills & Capabilities Strong spatial thinking and design judgement, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly through drawings, diagrams and written narrative. Experience managing projects or defined workstreams, including programme coordination and team inputs. Confident contributing to and, where appropriate, leading client meetings and workshops. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong graphic skills with fluency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience using GIS, hand sketching and 3D modelling software (e.g. SketchUp, Rhino). Experience and interest in innovative AI software applications (including research, text and graphic production). Advantageous previous experience and interest in the use of BIM for masterplanning tools (Autodesk Forma). Personal Attributes Proactive, organised and comfortable taking responsibility for your work. Collaborative and supportive, with an interest in mentoring and team development. Curious about people, cities, infrastructure and the role of urban design in shaping better places. Willing to travel within the UK and/or internationally as required. Security Clearance This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. Benefits Competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development and a hybrid working culture with flexible holiday allowances. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. #J-18808-Ljbffr