Senior Town Planner

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Planner with strong knowledge of the UK planning system to join our Major Projects Planning and Development Team. You will lead on planning appraisals, draft planning statements, and manage stakeholder negotiations on long-term, large-scale projects.

You will work with a supportive team across the UK, benefit from our hybrid working policy, and contribute to landmark schemes in healthcare, education, life sciences, and housing, while developing your career

Qualifications

• 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 fellow professionals.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Degree level qualification

Chartered status

UK planning system knowledge

Technical IT skills

Commercial planning approach

Organisational & communication skills

Education

Degree level qualification in town planning

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach and local expertise to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

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 current 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 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 pro-active attitude. In return they will be supported by a team with a proven track record of developing people to an excellent stand and fast tracking career advancement, and be part of a team with an exceptional market reputation.

You will be a Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process including planning applications, permitted development and policy frameworks. You will be well versed in using critical thinking to prepare planning appraisals and strategies, the preparation and review of all planning documentation for developments, the associated negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders.

We’re looking for Planners with demonstrable experience, with the confidence and initiative to lead on projects with senior support and work within a team on long-term large scale projects.

As one of the world’s leading engineering, professional services and technical consultancy firms, at WSP, we’re passionate about the future and helping to shape it.

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.

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

Work on landmark projects nationally and internationally, and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you and we care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a better future?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 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 11,000 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

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 at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a 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 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.

#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.