Overview

Town Planning & Consents Lead (Associate Director to Director Levels) (Infrastructure Planning) – Major Projects at WSP. Join a global engineering and professional services firm delivering major infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Leading consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs, etc.).
• Providing technical advice to clients and managing their consenting requirements.
• Co-ordinating the preparation and submission of consent applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008 or other regimes (as listed above).
• Acting as Project Director for projects led and managed by the Infrastructure Planning and Engagement business.
• Leading complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Acting as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries.
• Supporting the Service Line Director and Sector Leads to pursue new work opportunities and taking on a Sector Leadership role where appropriate.
• Line management / mentoring of colleagues to support project delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
• Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
• Strong understanding of project finances.
• Sound project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams to secure approvals for major and nationally significant infrastructure projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008; experience securing consents under Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, Transport and Works Act Order, or the Electricity Act.

What we offer / Benefits

• Work-life balance with flexible hybrid working (two days in the office per week).
• Support for work-life integration including flexible working arrangements, part-time options and the ability to purchase additional leave.
• Inclusive culture and Belonging: we welcome varied backgrounds and experiences and support a culture of inclusion.
• Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex discounts, menopause support, and more.
• Flex your time with the WSP My Hour initiative to take one hour each day for personal activities.
• Professional development opportunities, mentoring, and Chartership support.
• Disability Confident: We interview all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria and provide workplace adjustments as needed.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with a global reach and a local focus on UK and Ireland communities.