Town Planner

About the Role

Join WSP's Major Projects Planning and Development Team, a specialist unit providing expert commercial planning and development advice across the social infrastructure sector. This role focuses on landmark projects nationwide, including healthcare, life sciences, education, defence, and housing sectors in key cities such as London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

We seek an enthusiastic town planner eager to build a long-term career in planning consultancy, embracing client-facing responsibilities within a dynamic, supportive team. Candidates with private sector consultancy or local authority experience, a proactive approach, and diligence will find opportunities for fast-tracked career advancement and comprehensive mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop planning strategies by evaluating site planning history and relevant local and national policy frameworks.
• Prepare briefing notes assessing the prospects of obtaining planning permission.
• Draft clear, persuasive planning statements to support development proposals.
• Review third-party documentation and planning deliverables to ensure accuracy and coherence.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams on planning projects.
• Attend site visits, client meetings, and design team sessions.
• Manage project delivery and oversee budgetary controls.
• Participate in negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders.
• Collaborate extensively with WSP colleagues and external partners.
• Monitor planning applications and coordinate responses to consultation feedback.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a degree in town planning or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Hold chartered status such as MRTPI or MRICS.
• Have robust knowledge and experience of the UK planning system within local authority or private sector contexts.
• Exhibit strong technical and IT capabilities.
• Demonstrate a commercial mindset towards planning consultancy and development.
• Show eagerness to work within a growing and collaborative planning team.
• Display excellent organisational and communication skills.

Additional Information

WSP is a premier global engineering and professional services firm committed to delivering positive community impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals throughout the UK and Ireland, the company promotes a culture valuing diversity and belonging.

Employee Benefits

• Hybrid working model allowing two days remote work weekly.
• Commitment to work-life balance through flexible working hours and policies including "WSP My Hour" for daily personal time.
• Inclusive culture fostering authenticity and diversity, supported by employee resource groups.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs including Virtual GP access, Gymflex discount schemes, menopause support, and reasonable workplace adjustments.
• Opportunities for professional growth via training, mentoring, and support for chartership.

Equal Opportunity Statement

WSP encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet essential criteria, providing required workplace adjustments.