Major Projects Town Planning and Consents Lead (Infrastructure Planning)

WSP USA; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in London seeks experienced town planners or consents specialists to lead major infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include coordinating consent applications and providing technical advice on planning legislation. Successful candidates should have a degree in planning and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. The role offers a dynamic environment and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team.

Benefits

Hybrid working policy

Health & Wellbeing program

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Employee resource groups for inclusivity

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience leading multi-disciplinary teams on major projects.
• Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
• Strong understanding of project finances.

Responsibilities

• Lead consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate consent application submissions.
• Act as Project Director for studies managed by the team.

Skills

Leading consenting inputs

Providing technical advice

Project management

Negotiation skills

Expert witness experience

Education

Degree in town planning or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The world needs meaningful work. 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. You can embrace curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, and experience a world of opportunity to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is an award-winning consultancy that employs the largest number of chartered town planners across the UK, operating within both the infrastructure and property markets. It has never been a more exciting time to join WSP’s market-leading Infrastructure Planning Team. With notable contract and framework awards in 2024 from National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership, Nuclear Waste Services as well as awards from many other clients, we have a strong foundation for growth in 2025.

Our key clients include Bute Energy, East West Rail, EET Fuels, Eni UK, National Gas, SSE, Scottish Power Renewables, Southern Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, and many more. Our success as a team is built on employing highly skilled consenting specialists who have experience serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail and transportation and aviation sectors.

We are looking for experienced town planners or consents specialists to join our team to lead consenting inputs on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The successful candidates will have demonstrable experience in 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. We are also interested to hear from people with experience in securing consents for major projects by means of Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, Transport and Works Act Order or the Electricity Act.

To find out more about our Infrastructure Planning business, click the link: Infrastructure planning and consulting | WSP (https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/services/infrastructure-planning-and-consulting)

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• 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 which may include 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 on 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 winning opportunities in line with WSPs Growth Strategy as appropriate

• Line management / mentoring colleagues by supporting them in their work project delivery roles

• 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

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

#L1-JC2

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

Work-life balance

We understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. 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. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bringing together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service provides access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you, giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “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 that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

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.