Overview

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

At WSP, you can grow and do what matters to you. Leverage our global reach to take on challenges and work with diverse, talented individuals.

WSP is an award-winning consultancy employing the largest number of chartered town planners in the UK, operating in both the infrastructure and property markets.

We are growing our market-leading Infrastructure Planning Team. In 2024, we received notable contract and framework awards from National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership, Nuclear Waste Services and other clients, laying a strong foundation for 2025.

Our key clients include National Grid, East West Rail, EET Fuels, Eni UK, National Gas, SSE, Scottish Power Renewables, Southern Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, and others.

We succeed by employing highly skilled consenting specialists serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail and transportation and aviation sectors.

Role

We are recruiting a Technical Director in our London office to drive our plans to lead and secure new work for our Infrastructure town planners through 2025 and beyond. You will be experienced at leading multi-disciplinary projects under the Town and Country Planning Act and the Planning Act 2008 and can support team members to do so. Experience in securing consents for major projects under Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, Transport and Works Act Order or the Electricity Act is also of interest.

For more information about our Infrastructure Planning business, see WSP's infrastructure planning and consulting offerings at WSP.

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 under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008 or other regimes

• 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, potentially including 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 opportunities in line with WSP's Growth Strategy

• Line management / mentoring of colleagues in project delivery

• 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

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 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

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 people are united by the purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and supported by international expertise.

What’s in it for you?

Work-life balance

We understand that work is one aspect of life. It’s important to make time for family, friends, interests and community.

Our hybrid policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and experiences. We promote rewarding careers by encouraging you to bring your whole and authentic self to work so our work reflects the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and respect, supporting a culture of inclusion and belonging. Employee resource groups bring together employees and allies to promote inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We support our people with tools to improve health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service provides access to NHS or Irish Medical Council GPs at convenient times. We offer workplace adjustments where needed, a Gymflex scheme with up to 40% off annual gym memberships, and a menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing one hour per day for personal activities, with the flexibility to adjust hours accordingly. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to tailor bank holiday use.

Your development

We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, and opportunities toward Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we encourage applications from suitably qualified 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 and please request workplace adjustments if needed.