Chief Planner – Remote

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Chief Planner to remotely join our team in Leesburg, VA.

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved.

We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.

Leads advanced planning activities for residential, commercial, and public land development projects. This role applies deep expertise in land use planning, zoning, entitlement processes, and site feasibility to guide project vision, ensure regulatory compliance, and support high‑quality, sustainable design outcomes. Oversees complex planning assignments, provides quality assurance for planning deliverables, and contributes to business development efforts that grow client relationships and expand the firm’s capabilities.

• Receive broad guidance on objectives, critical issues, and policy matters while operating with significant independence in planning decision‑making.
• Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of planning principles, practices, and related fields across complex assignments.
• Review deliverables produced by planning staff for quality assurance, accuracy, and compliance with project standards.
• Provide mentorship, direction, and technical guidance to junior and mid‑level planners.

• Collaborate with senior leaders to support planning initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Assist in marketing the firm’s planning capabilities to secure new opportunities and enhance client relationships.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams—including engineering, landscape architecture, environmental, and surveying—to support integrated project delivery.
• Interact with local agencies, stakeholders, and the public to support entitlements and community engagement.

• Prepare conceptual land use plans and land planning solutions for a variety of development projects.
• Conduct site feasibility studies, due diligence assessments, and technical reports.
• Prepare and oversee submittal documents for permits and approvals, including formal site plans and plans of development.
• Research, analyze, and compile planning data to support regulatory compliance, design decisions, and problem‑solving.
• Interpret zoning codes, ordinances, and agency requirements to inform project design.
• Compile and maintain documentation such as impact studies, demographic data, maps, reports, and diagrams.
• Develop planning exhibits, graphic presentations, and materials for public meetings or hearings.
• Create constraints maps and other analytical tools for project assessment.
• Conduct site plan reviews to ensure compliance with state and local criteria, including setbacks, easements, rights‑of‑way, and surveys.
• Research landowner data, third‑party agreements, tenant planning requirements, and development restrictions.

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.
• Highly motivated and problem‑solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Self‑reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.
• Strong marketing/ business development skills and mindset.
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
• Commitment to…