Senior Planner, Chicago

Cambridge Systematics•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (CS) is an industry leader in transportation policy, planning, analysis, and technology. Its Transit and Shared Mobility group provides data-driven planning services to transit agencies, cities, and metropolitan planning organizations across the United States, drawing on national expertise and regional knowledge to address challenges including ridership, funding, interagency coordination, equity, workforce needs, and safe, sustainable public services. The Senior Planner leads and supports transit planning work across policy, market analysis, strategic and service planning, operations, capital planning, data analysis, finance, funding, corridor studies, and public engagement. The role calls for strong relationships and qualifications with transit agencies, cities, MPOs, and statewide agencies, particularly in Chicago and the Midwest. The Senior Planner collaborates with technical leaders and project managers across business units, serves as a company-wide resource, and trains, manages, and mentors junior staff. The position also develops client relationships, identifies opportunities, and leads teaming negotiations with consulting firms. The role manages project delivery, develops project plans, provides direction and feedback to project teams, and ensures work is delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. It also contributes to business development by helping shape bid decisions, proposals, win and teaming strategies, and client relationships. The position is based in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, or a related area.
10 or more years of industry-related experience.
3 or more years of experience managing projects.
Experience leading corridor studies, network redesigns, market analyses, fare studies, long-range transportation plans, and related transit plans.
Strong communication, presentation, and technical writing skills.
A strong professional network in the transportation industry.
Located in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, or a related area.
5 or more years of experience in public sector consulting and professional services.

Responsibilities

Deliver projects on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of clients or project managers.
Provide ongoing feedback to project team members and mentor junior staff in project delivery.
Give project staff clear direction on project objectives and their roles.
Develop and implement a project delivery plan for each project.
Plan, produce, and deliver thorough, polished, high-quality work.
Provide value-added service to project managers and clients and communicate consistently with internal and external team members.
Listen actively to understand client and project manager needs.
Participate in business development and marketing meetings to identify and coordinate activities.
Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions.
Develop win themes, teaming strategies, pricing strategies, and technical proposal content.
Build and maintain long-term client relationships and listen to client needs.
Build positive relationships with management, senior consultants, and marketing and communications staff to develop proposals.
Collaborate with technical leaders and project managers across business units to develop integrated technical approaches.
Serve as a company-wide resource in areas of expertise.
Train, manage, and mentor junior staff, and motivate colleagues and subconsultants to deliver work on time and within budget.
Develop collaborative relationships with current and prospective clients and proactively identify future opportunities.
Lead teaming negotiations with other consulting firms.