Principal Transport Planner

About Us
At HDR, we specialise in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

HDR supports an inclusive and diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and people of culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That colouring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realisations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Principal Transport Planner
Shape the future of transport – and your career.

Are you ready to take the next step in your transport planning career and lead with impact? We're seeking a Principal Transport Planner to join our growing team, someone who combines deep technical expertise with the drive to shape a business and mentor a team.

This role offers strong, long-term career growth, with the opportunity to work alongside our Transport Planning Lead and step into a broader leadership position over time.

The Role
As Principal Transport Planner, you'll play a key role in growing our transport planning discipline across Queensland, leading diverse projects, managing client relationships, and providing support and mentoring to our team. With autonomy to shape your workload and play to your strengths, you'll be instrumental in driving business development, delivering strategic transport planning projects, and contributing to the long-term success of our practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading feasibility studies, options analyses, business cases, and transport planning projects
• Independently manage a range of projects with intermediate to advanced complexity
• Supporting business development, client engagement, and bid preparation
• Mentoring junior team members and contributing to a positive team culture
• Collaborating across disciplines and supporting cross-functional transport initiatives
• Representing HDR at industry forums and delivering technical presentations

About You
We're looking for someone with:

• Ideally, 12+ years of professional experience in transport planning
• A degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field
• Professional accreditation such as CPEng/RPEQ, Registered Planner, or equivalent
• Broad technical expertise in planning for transport systems including public and active transport networks.
• Proven ability to manage projects and successfully engage clients
• Ability to support business development activities
• Consulting background preferred, but relevant, strong technical expertise from any background welcome
• Experience in public transport projects is highly desirable
• A growth mindset and commitment to team development and company values

Why Join Us?

• Succession opportunity into a business leadership role
• Shape and grow your own portfolio of projects and clients
• Work in a flexible, collaborative, and values-driven environment
• Be part of an employee-owned business that empowers its people
• Join a tight-knit, experienced team making a genuine impact in transport

If you're ready to take the lead on exciting transport projects, develop your career with purpose, and make your mark on the future of our cities — we want to hear from you.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years' experience with transportation planning
• Possess excellent analytical and communication skills
• Understanding of transit planning principles
• Positive attitude and ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and personnel
• Solid business development skills; demonstrated ability to relate well to clients; and demonstrated presentation skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:
Australia-QLD-Brisbane

Industry:
Highway + Road

Schedule:
Full-time

Employee Status:
Regular

BusinessClass:
Transportation Planning

Job Posting:
Aug 13, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer ). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.