Senior Town Planner

Overview

Join WSP's Major Projects Planning and Development Team to engage in impactful planning consultancy within the social infrastructure sector. This role involves working on nationally significant projects including healthcare, life sciences, education, defence and housing, with landmark initiatives located in cities such as London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive planning strategies by evaluating sites' planning histories and applying relevant local and national policy frameworks.
• Prepare informative briefing notes assessing the likelihood of securing planning permission.
• Compose persuasive and clear planning statements to support development proposals.
• Critically review third-party documents and ensure planning deliverables maintain consistency and validity.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams contributing to planning projects.
• Attend site inspections, design team sessions, and client meetings.
• Manage project timelines and oversee budgetary controls.
• Engage in negotiations with planning authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with colleagues across WSP and external partners.
• Monitor planning applications and respond to consultation feedback alongside clients and teams.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in town planning or a postgraduate qualification in a related field.
• Chartered professional status such as MRTPI or MRICS.
• Practical experience and solid understanding of the UK planning system, gained in local government or consultancy environments.
• Proficient technical and IT capabilities.
• Commercial mindset towards planning consultancy and development projects.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in contributing to a growing team within planning consultancy.

About the Company

WSP is a global leader in engineering and professional services, driven by innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are committed to making meaningful positive impacts in communities through our extensive local and international expertise.

Additional Benefits and Culture

• Work-life balance with hybrid working opportunities (two work-from-home days weekly) and modern office environments.
• Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and fostering authentic self-expression through resource groups.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing initiatives including Thrive program, virtual GP access, gym membership discounts, and menopause support.
• Flexible working arrangements including 'WSP My Hour' for daily personal time, part-time options, and leave purchase schemes.
• Strong support for professional development via training, mentoring, and Chartership facilitation.

Equal Opportunity

WSP encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or pregnancy status. As a Disability Confident leader, WSP ensures interview opportunities for disabled candidates meeting requirements and will provide necessary workplace accommodations.