Senior Land Consultant

Senior Land Consultant – WSP Land

WSP Land, the largest and most successful land consulting team in the UK and Ireland, is looking for an experienced Senior Land Consultant to join our team based in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth with hybrid working arrangements.

• Secure land, land access and arrange surveys, building strong relationships with landowners and stakeholders using statutory powers and/or negotiation.
• Lead audits and quality‑assurance reviews of land referencing documentation and processes.
• Drive the integration of land requirements with engineering, planning and environmental strategies.
• Provide senior‑level advice to clients and project boards on land‑acquisition risks and opportunities.
• Oversee compliance with statutory processes, ensuring projects meet regulatory and legal obligations, including data‑security and privacy requirements.
• Resolve disputes and elevate sensitive issues with diplomacy and authority.
• Contribute to commercial strategy and risk management for land‑related contracts.
• Establish training programs and succession planning within the Land team.
• Manage people and lead the team.
• Arrange and coordinate land surveys, ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards.
• Consult with landowners to explain proposed schemes, discuss potential impacts and record accurate consultation notes.
• Ensure WSP H&S procedures are adhered to for all site work.
• Use statutory powers and other mechanisms to acquire land and prepare technical documents related to land interests and rights.
• Negotiate Heads of Terms to secure land for projects and liaise with landowners, agents, auctioneers, legal representatives, planning authorities, contractors and clients.
• Work closely with internal and external engineering, environmental and planning teams to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Develop efficient working practices and promote innovation to deliver industry‑leading, best‑value services.
• Support business development and execute the business strategy.
• Travel across the UK and Ireland and potentially to WSP’s Global Capability Centre in India.

• Degree or equivalent experience in Geography, Land/Estate Management, Agriculture or a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated experience delivering land referencing, land access, land‑owner engagement services and statutory processes on major infrastructure projects.
• Experience negotiating with landowners and knowledge of the legal process for wayleaves, easements and servitudes.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams across a range of sectors and locations in the UK and Ireland.
• Track record of reducing land risk for clients and advising them on land‑related matters throughout all project stages.
• Experience in infrastructure development schemes, particularly in energy, highways, rail, water and/or aviation sectors.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with colleagues, landowners and clients at all levels.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills with clear communication.
• Knowledge of urban and/or rural environments and farming practices is desirable.
• Membership of a professional body or chartership is advantageous.
• Ability to travel to various sites and locations as required.

• Hybrid working policy – work from home up to two days a week.
• Health & Wellbeing programme including a virtual GP service, gym‑flex scheme and comprehensive menopause support.
• Flexible working arrangements with options to purchase additional leave and use bank holiday entitlement.
• Development and training opportunities, including mentoring and chartership support.
• Competitive salary and performance‑based rewards.

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, and we welcome anyone who requires workplace adjustments during their application.