Technical Director, Town Planner - Major Projects & Consents Lead (Infrastructure Planning)

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 to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

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 Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership, Nuclear Waste Services as well as awards from many other clients, we have a great foundation for growth in 2025.

Our key clients include Grid, East West Rail, EET Fuels, Eni UK, 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 that have experience in serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail and transportation and aviation sectors.

To continue to sustainably grow as a business, we are looking to recruit a Technical Director in our London office who can drive forward our ambitious plans to lead and secure new work opportunities for our team of Infrastructure town planners through 2025 and thereafter. You will already be experienced at leading multi-disciplinary projects under the Town and Country Planning Act and the Planning Act 2008 and can help support those in our team to do this, to help meet the needs of our many clients and projects. We are also interested to hear from people that have 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.

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.
• A high degree of technical excellence and competency, which might include acting as Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries.
• Supporting the Service Line and Regional Directors and Sector Leads to pursue new work winning opportunities in line with WSP's 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.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

#L1-JC2

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 69,300 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation and integrity. 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

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 & Diversity

We welcome applicants with diverse 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 belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups that 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.

Med24 offers you and your family unlimited telephone access to an NHS doctor, available 24/7, with options for face-to-face video consultations. 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 their background. As a 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.