Location
Manchester

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is an award-winning consultancy employing the largest number of chartered town planners across the UK, operating within both the infrastructure and property markets. In December 2025, WSP won the RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year, with judges commending the team for excellence in uniting diverse disciplines to achieve outstanding results and strong community engagement.

It has never been a more exciting time to join WSP’s market-leading Infrastructure Planning Team. Our success is built on employing highly skilled consenting specialists experienced in serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation sectors. We work at all stages of the consenting process from early feasibility, application preparation and delivery of consents through construction on a variety of projects across sectors.

With notable contract and framework awards from National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership and many other clients, we have a strong foundation for growth in 2026. 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 more.

To continue sustainable growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Consultant to support town planning and consenting inputs on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience working within multi-disciplinary teams to secure consent and approvals for major or nationally significant infrastructure projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008 and Transport and Works Act Order.

Experience
Proven experience leading town planning or consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects such as Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Development Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (DNSs), and Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs). Experience coordinating preparation and submission of consent applications under various planning regimes including Town and Country Planning Acts, Planning Act 2008, and others. Demonstrable project management experience with strong understanding of project finances, ideally within a consultancy environment. Experience acting as Project Director and Planning Expert Witness at examinations, hearings or inquiries. Skilled in complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.

About you
Strong technical leadership and client advisory skills with a clear understanding of client expectations and needs. Ability to lead and mentor colleagues, supporting their work and project delivery roles. Collaborative team player with a passion for delivering high-quality consenting solutions on nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Qualifications
Degree level qualification in town planning or equivalent. Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Experience or knowledge of securing consents under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, or Electricity Act is desirable but not essential.