Associate Director / Technical Director Infrastructure Planning (Rail and Major Projects)

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. This year marks 200 years since the world's first passenger railway opened in the UK. It's a milestone for the country - and for us. Through WSP and our predecessor companies, generations of our colleagues have been part of that legacy, helping shape Britain's railways. WSP has been central to projects like the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1), the Elizabeth Line, and HS2 - projects that will define mobility for future generations.

With notable contract and framework awards from National Rail and its Tier 1 contractors, HS2, East West Rail, as well as awards from many other clients, we have a great foundation for growth beyond 2025.

Our key clients include National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership, National Gas as part of Project Union, Nuclear Waste Services, EET Fuels, Eni UK, SSE, Scottish Power Renewables, Severn Trent Water, 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 rail and transportation, energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, and aviation sectors. Our strong technical leadership is critical, providing confidence and value to our clients. To continue to sustainably grow as a business, we are looking for an experienced technical leader, ideally with strong experience in rail, town planning or consents specialist to join our team, leading on consenting inputs on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the UK wide rail and transportation sector.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience at leading multi disciplinary teams to secure approvals for major and nationally significant infrastructure projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008 and Transport and Works Act Order. 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, or the Electricity Act.

To find out more about our Infrastructure Planning business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: Infrastructure planning and consulting WSP

• Leading consenting inputs on major rail and transportation infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc).
• Providing strong technical leadership and 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 business.
• Leading on complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Acting as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries.
• Supporting the Service Line Director to pursue new work winning opportunities in line with WSPs Growth Strategy and taking on duties 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.