Associate Director (Infrastructure Planning)

WSP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant in Town Planning & Consenting in Manchester, England. You will lead planning inputs on major infrastructure projects, providing technical expertise and managing client relationships. The ideal candidate holds a degree in town planning and is a member of the RTPI, with the ability to negotiate with statutory bodies, manage project finances, and mentor junior staff. This role offers an opportunity to work on significant projects under various planning regimes.

Qualifications

• Experience in securing consent for major infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and project finances.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead town planning inputs on major infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate consent applications under applicable planning regimes.
• Act as Project Director and manage client expectations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree level qualification in town planning or equivalent

Member of the RTPI

Job description

Senior Consultant – Town Planning & Consenting

We are looking for an experienced Senior Consultant to support town planning and consenting inputs on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience working within multi‑disciplinary teams to secure consent and approvals for major or nationally significant infrastructure projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act Order, and relevant Scottish, Welsh, and electricity acts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the town planning or consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc)
• Provide strong technical leadership and advice to clients, managing their consenting requirements and demonstrating awareness of clients' expectations and needs
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of consent applications under the applicable planning regimes
• Act as Project Director for projects led and managed by the Infrastructure Planning business
• Serve as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries
• Lead complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients
• Demonstrate strong understanding of project finances and have project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment
• Provide line management and mentoring to colleagues supporting their work and project delivery roles

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent)
• Member of the RTPI