Transport Planner / Assistant Transport Planner - Freight & Logistics

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive wellbeing program

Virtual GP service

Gymflex scheme

Menopause support package

Chartership development

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Consultant or Assistant Consultant to support its Freight and Logistics practice across the UK. The role welcomes applicants from analytical backgrounds and covers policy, infrastructure, urban freight and decarbonisation work on diverse projects.

Based in an office where the team already operates (Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds) to collaborate with colleagues, develop evidence‑based insights, and help cut freight emissions while progressing toward chartered status.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills applied to complex, real‑world challenges.
• Ability to think critically and develop clear, evidence‑based insights.
• Experience applying quantitative or structured approaches to problems.
• Ability to translate complex analysis into clear reports and presentations.
• Willingness to work towards professional accreditation where relevant.

Responsibilities

• Freight policy and strategy – supporting clients to develop robust evidence bases and providing advice aligned with national, regional and local policy frameworks.
• Freight infrastructure – assisting with studies and business cases to improve the freight system, including key freight routes, lorry parking and amenities, and rail freight terminals.
• Urban freight – helping clients enable efficient last‑mile operations while balancing placemaking, highway safety and public realm priorities.
• Logistics planning – supporting the design and implementation of optimised logistics operations in complex or specialist environments, such as healthcare facilities and major infrastructure projects.
• Freight decarbonisation – supporting policymakers, infrastructure investors and operators in the transition to zero‑emission freight and logistics fleets.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Clear reporting

Verbal communication

Agile mindset

Job description

Job Summary

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 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 your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

About the Role

We are seeking a new team member at Consultant or Assistant Consultant level to support our growing focus on Freight and Logistics. We welcome applicants from a range of analytical and numerate backgrounds, including economics, data, policy or management consulting, as well as transport planning, freight and warehouse design and operations.

The team is spread across the UK, and we would like the new joiner to ideally be based in an office that our Freight and Logistics team already has a presence in (Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, or Leeds).

Key Responsibilities

• Freight policy and strategy – supporting clients to develop robust evidence bases and providing advice aligned with national, regional and local policy frameworks.
• Freight infrastructure – assisting with studies and business cases to improve the freight system, including key freight routes, lorry parking and amenities, and rail freight terminals.
• Urban freight – helping clients enable efficient last‑mile operations while balancing placemaking, highway safety and public realm priorities.
• Logistics planning – supporting the design and implementation of optimised logistics operations in complex or specialist environments, such as healthcare facilities and major infrastructure projects.
• Freight decarbonisation – supporting policymakers, infrastructure investors and operators in the transition to zero‑emission freight and logistics fleets.

Qualifications and Experience

• A genuine interest in shaping the future of freight and logistics systems, including the role of policy, technology and innovation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience applying quantitative or structured approaches to complex, real‑world challenges.
• The ability to think critically in unfamiliar subject areas and develop clear, evidence‑based insights.
• Comfortable developing bespoke approaches to suit individual projects rather than relying on standard solutions.
• Able to work across multiple subject areas at pace, managing competing priorities and switching context effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analysis into clear, compelling reports and presentations.
• An agile and proactive mindset – asking the right questions, adapting to changing priorities, and identifying risks early.
• Willingness to work towards professional accreditation, where relevant.

Benefits

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.

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 programme, 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.

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.

EEO Statement

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.