Senior Town Planner

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive programme for health and wellbeing

Gymflex scheme for gym memberships

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a planning consultant in Birmingham. This role involves devising planning strategies, drafting persuasive planning statements, and assessing site planning history. Ideal candidates will have a degree in town planning, chartered status, and sound knowledge of the UK planning system. The position offers a hybrid working policy, focusing on work-life balance and development opportunities. WSP is committed to inclusivity and wellbeing for all employees.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS) preferred.
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities

• Devising planning strategies and assessing site’s planning history.
• Preparing briefing notes for planning permission likelihood.
• Drafting clear and persuasive planning statements.

Skills

Good technical and IT skills

Good organisational skills

Communication skills

Commercial approach to planning consultancy

Education

Degree in town planning

Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject

Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS)

Job description

The Major Projects Planning and Development Team within Planning Consultancy specialises in providing commercial planning and development advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients, supporting the delivery of major projects in the social infrastructure sector. We are currently working on landmark projects nationally (and occasionally internationally) within the healthcare, life science, education, defence and housing sectors. We are proud to be involved in many of the highest profile projects in these sectors nationally, including very large projects in Central London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude and a desire to progress to a long‑term career in planning consultancy and to be in a client‑facing position. Candidates should have some private‑sector consultancy or local‑authority experience, a desire to learn and be part of a close‑knit supportive team, be diligent in their work and have a proactive attitude. They will be supported by a team with a proven track record of developing people to an excellent standard and fast‑tracking career advancement, and be part of a team with an exceptional market reputation.

A Little More About Your Role

• Devising planning strategies, assessing site’s planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan; as well as national planning policy and guidance.
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission.
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals.
• Reviewing third‑party documents and other planning deliverables to ensure consistency and validity.
• Assisting with the planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.
• Joining negotiations with planning authorities and other planning stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP and external organisations.
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Degree level qualification in town planning and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Good technical and IT skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in a growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work‑life balance

At WSP, 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.

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 gives you 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, which offers 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.

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.