Associate Town Planner (Infrastructure Planning)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a qualified town planner to manage aspects of town planning on major infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will provide technical advice to clients, coordinate consent applications, and support negotiations with statutory bodies. A degree-level qualification in town planning and membership in RTPI are essential, alongside strong project management skills. This role offers a chance to make a positive impact in community projects across England.

Qualifications

• Experience managing or leading town planning inputs on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in providing technical advice to clients.
• Solid understanding of project management in a consultancy environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage aspects of town planning on major infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of consent applications.
• Support negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders.

Skills

Managing aspects of town planning

Providing technical advice

Coordinating consent applications

Supporting negotiations

Leading engagement across disciplines

Understanding project finances

Line managing/mentoring colleagues

Education

Degree-level qualification in town planning

Membership in RTPI

Job description

Job Description

At WSP you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. Our culture celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, giving you a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a unique career.

WSP is an award‑winning consultancy that employs the largest number of chartered town planners in the UK, operating in both the infrastructure and property markets. In December 2025, WSP was named RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year, praised for their excellence in uniting diverse disciplines to achieve outstanding results and for robust community engagement.

Our Infrastructure Planning Team is poised for growth with a portfolio covering energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail, transportation, and aviation. We work at all stages of the consenting process, from early feasibility to construction and beyond, on a wide variety of projects across sectors.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Managing or leading aspects of town planning or consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs, etc.)
• Providing technical advice to clients and managing their consenting requirements, demonstrating awareness of client expectations and needs.
• Co‑ordinating the preparation and submission of consent applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008, or other regimes.
• Supporting negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Leading engagement with teams across a variety of disciplines, providing technical oversight.
• Actively supporting and contributing to achievement, building positive relationships within project and discipline teams.
• Proactively developing own knowledge and skills to build the team's internal knowledge base.
• Having a solid understanding of project finances and project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Line managing/mentoring colleagues to support them in their work and project delivery roles.
• Holding a degree‑level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
• Being a member of the RTPI.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities worldwide.

Apply Today

We look forward to hearing from you.