Associate Director​/Technical Director Infrastructure Planning; Rail and Major Projects

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

Join WSP in the UK & Ireland to apply for the Associate Director/Technical Director Infrastructure Planning (Rail and Major Projects) role.

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, and WSP has been central to projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1), the Elizabeth Line, and HS2.

With notable contract and framework awards from National Rail and its Tier 1 contractors (HS2, East West Rail, etc.) and many other clients, we have a great foundation for growth beyond 2025. Our key clients include National Grid, National Gas, Nuclear Waste Services, EET Fuels, Eni UK, SSE, Scottish Power Renewables, Severn Trent Water, Southern Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, and many more.

We are looking for an experienced technical leader, ideally with strong experience in rail, town planning, or consents specialist roles, 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.

We are interested in candidates with experience in securing consents for major projects under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning Act 2008 and the Transport and Works Act Order, as well as the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, and the Electricity Act.

• 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 under the relevant planning regimes.
• Acting as Project Director for projects led and managed by the Infrastructure Planning business.
• Leading 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 and winning opportunities in line with WSP’s Growth Strategy.
• Line‑management / mentoring colleagues and supporting them in their projects.
• 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.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. Apply today.

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.

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.

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