Senior Development Planner

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Senior Development Planner for Leeds to join our regional Development Team, specialising in Transport and Civil Engineering for Development Planning.

You will deliver sustainable development solutions from site selection through to planning approvals, collaborating with planning, infrastructure design, structures, transport and environmental teams on UK and international projects.

Qualifications

• First degree in Transport, Mathematics, Geography, Civil Engineering, Planning or related subject.
• Experience as lead client contact for consultancy services and strong relationship-building.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of transport planning guidance and standards.
• Experience delivering transport planning projects across development planning and delivery.
• Familiarity with junction modelling software (Junctions9, PICADY, ARCADY, Linsig).
• Strong numeracy, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.
• Experience in budgeting and programme management.
• Team management experience and awareness of contractual aspects.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support in delivering studies, Statements, Assessments, Travel Plans and Parking/Access studies leading to planning approvals.
• Lead proactive management and build collaborative relationships with clients and staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key clients and ensure high service levels.
• Stay updated with standards and policy, network, and raise firm profile.
• Provide guidance to a team of technical staff across grades.
• Engage in high-profile client interaction, stakeholder management, and design team liaison.
• Ensure projects are delivered to budget, programme, technical standards and legal requirements.

Skills

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Numeracy

Problem solving

Project management

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Land use planning

Transport planning

Education

Transport degree

Tools

Junctions9

PICADY

ARCADY

Linsig

Job description

Senior Development Planner – Leeds

We are seeking an enthusiastic Senior Development Planner to support our regional Development Team in Leeds, specialising in Transport / Civil Engineering for Development Planning.

As part of the team you will provide sustainable development solutions from site selection through to planning approvals and implementation. You will work closely with planning, infrastructure design, structures and transport and environmental teams on both UK and international projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day support in the delivery of concept studies, strategies, Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, Travel Plans, Parking Studies, Access Studies, Movement and Access Studies leading to planning applications and post‑permission works.
• Lead proactive management and leadership to secure collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues and staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key clients, achieving excellence in service provision and client satisfaction.
• Keep up to date with relevant standards and policies; raise the firm's profile by networking and attending conferences.
• Provide guidance and support to a team of technical staff of various grades.
• Engage in high‑profile client interaction, stakeholder management, design team liaison and project management.
• Ensure projects are delivered to budget, programme, technical standards and legal requirements.

Team Overview

The Development Team is a high‑performing discipline within the Planning and Development business unit, with over 800 colleagues focused on project delivery through the full project life cycle—from initial land acquisition, planning support and design, through to scheme implementation.

Qualifications

• A first degree in Transport, Mathematics, Geography, Civil Engineering, Planning or a related subject.
• Experience as a lead client contact for consultancy services and fostering excellent relationships.
• Strong communication skills with a track record of presenting compelling written work.
• Knowledge of transport planning guidance, best practice and relevant standards.
• Experience delivering a range of transport planning projects across development planning, scheme delivery, sustainable transport, active travel, and junction design.
• Working knowledge of junction modelling software (e.g., Junctions9, PICADY, ARCADY, Linsig).
• High level of numeracy, problem‑solving skills and innovative thinking.
• Experience financially and programme managing projects using appropriate business tools.
• Team management experience, including line management and day‑to‑day operations.
• Robust knowledge of financial and contractual aspects of planning, bidding and project delivery.
• Postgraduate experience and are nearing Chartership or have equivalent commercial experience and responsibility.

We welcome 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.