Associate / Associate Director – Minerals and Waste

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Training and development programs

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Inclusivity & belonging programs

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is searching for an Associate/Associate Director for their Minerals and Waste Team. This role focuses on leading projects and delivering expert planning advice, managing project performance, and building strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in UK minerals and waste planning.

The successful applicant will enjoy a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and a culture that promotes inclusivity and employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in planning, environmental or related discipline.
• Experience delivering minerals and waste projects in the UK.
• Strong understanding of UK planning systems and EIA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver minerals and waste planning projects across the full life cycle.
• Provide expert planning and environmental advice to clients and project teams.
• Manage project performance (technical, commercial, H&S and quality).
• Build strong client relationships and support business development.
• Mentor and support colleagues, fostering an inclusive team culture.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Planning systems knowledge

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Education

Degree in planning, environmental or related discipline

Job description

Associate / Associate Director – Minerals and Waste Team

Join our growing minerals and waste team. This strategic role directs, manages, and delivers minerals and waste inputs across a range of projects for a wide client base, offering a growth opportunity to win work, lead projects, and shape sector growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver minerals and waste planning projects across the full life cycle
• Provide expert planning and environmental advice to clients and project teams
• Manage project performance (technical, commercial, H&S and quality)
• Build strong client relationships and support business development activity
• Contribute to bids, frameworks and new opportunities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable outcomes
• Mentor and support colleagues, fostering an inclusive team culture

Essential Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in planning, environmental or related discipline
• Experience delivering minerals and waste projects in the UK
• Strong understanding of UK planning systems and EIA
• Ability to lead projects and manage client relationships
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills
• Proven people‑management experience and a track record of developing and upskilling internal teams

Desirable Requirements

• Chartered or working towards chartership (RTPI, IEMA, RICS or similar)
• Experience in business development and winning work
• Knowledge of emerging policy and stakeholder engagement

Benefits

Work‑life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging authenticity and supporting a culture of inclusion through employee resource groups.

Health & Wellbeing: We provide access to a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package, supported by our Thrive programme.

Flex your time: WSP offers “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later.

Your development: We invest in training, mentoring, and chartership pathways to support your continuous growth.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.