Associate Director Planning Consultancy

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.

The Planning Consultancy team in Bristol specialise in providing commercial planning advice to a wide range of private sector clients. We provide advice and support on development proposals throughout the planning process. Our projects range from complex city centre regeneration sites, tall buildings, strategic housing promotion, repurposing town centres, retail development, sports and leisure, logistics and major business parks, major infrastructure and energy schemes, through to detailed listed building reuse. We are proud to be involved in leading some of the region’s largest and most high-profile schemes.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can-do attitude and ‘win-win’ focus. The candidate will have significant experience, a proven ability to deliver to a high standard, strong communication skills, passion to share their knowledge and a desire to learn and contribute to the ongoing success of our team.

You will be an experienced Associate or Associate Director with extensive knowledge and experience of the planning process including EIA, EIP/plan promotion, and appeals. You will be experienced at managing and leading major developments, the associated negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders, and project managing multidisciplinary teams. You will have a track record of client management and development and an appetite to work with Directors to grow your business network and the profile of the team. A network of contacts across East Anglia would be advantageous.

As one of the world’s leading engineering, professional services and technical consultancy firms, at WSP, we’re passionate about the big questions. And big answers, naturally. For us that’s all about reaching beyond the expected, to do work that’ll make a profound impact felt long into the future.

A little more about your role…

• Providing high quality planning advice to clients at all stages of the development process.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams on planning projects.
• Leading client meetings.
• Project management and budgetary control on projects.
• Supporting more junior staff.
• Supporting senior colleagues on large-scale, complex projects whilst managing your own projects.
• Collaborating with WSP colleagues to deliver multidisciplinary advice, liaising with clients and statutory bodies.
• Managing key client relationships.
• Leading tenders and framework bids.
• Active business development and profile raising.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Strong technical skills.
• Client management experience and private sector consultancy experience.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Drive and determination.
• Outstanding organisational skills.
• Strong client relationships.
• MRTPI qualified and keen to grow into a leadership role within a supportive team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: 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.
• 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.
• Flex your time: 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.
• Your development: We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

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.