Senior Town Planner - Major Projects in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 and local expertise to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

The Major Projects Planning and Development Team within Planning Consultancy specialises in providing commercial planning and development advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients, supporting the delivery of major projects in the social infrastructure sector. We are currently working on landmark projects nationally (and occasionally internationally) within the healthcare, life science, education, leisure, defence and housing sectors.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can-do attitude and a desire to progress to a long-term career in planning consultancy and be in a client-facing position. Candidates will be based at WSP's Newcastle office but will work on projects nationally, should have some private sector consultancy or local authority experience, a desire to learn and be part of a close-knit supportive team, be diligent in their work and have a pro-active attitude.

In return, they will be supported by a team with a proven track record of developing people to an excellent standard, fast-tracking career advancement and being part of a team with an exceptional market reputation. You will be a Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process including planning applications, permitted development and policy frameworks.

You will be well versed in using critical thinking to prepare planning appraisals and strategies, the preparation and review of all planning documentation for developments, and the associated negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders. We're looking for Planners with demonstrable experience, with the confidence and initiative to lead on projects with senior support and work within a team on long-term large-scale projects.

A little more about your role:

• Devising planning strategies, assessing site's planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan; as well as national planning policy and guidance.
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission.
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals.
• Reviewing third party documents and other planning deliverables to ensure consistency and validity.
• Assisting with the planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.
• Joining negotiations with planning authorities and other planning stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP, and external organisations.
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Degree level qualification in town planning and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Chartered status (MRTPI/MRICS).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Good technical and IT skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in a growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects nationally and internationally, and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you and we care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a better future? With us, you can. Apply today.

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.