Associate Director/Technical Director Infrastructure Planning

Associate Director/Technical Director Infrastructure Planning (Rail and Major Projects) Job Description What if you could shape a career as unique as you? 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 in people who have experience in securing consents for major projects by means of the 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 What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate… 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 WSP’s 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. About Us We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common 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 propelled by international brainpower. What’s in it for you? 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. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity. 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 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 program, 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. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you. 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. #WeAreWSP 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. Seniority level Director > Employment type Full‑time Job function Information Technology Industries Professional Services Location London, England, United Kingdom #J-18808-Ljbffr