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

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. We have a long history of delivering major rail projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, HS1, the Elizabeth Line, and HS2, projects that will shape mobility for future generations. With notable contract awards from National Rail, HS2, East West Rail and many other infrastructure developers, we continue to grow beyond 2025. Our success is built on highly skilled consulting professionals serving a diverse portfolio of clients in rail, transportation, energy, renewables, nuclear, net‑zero, water and aviation sectors.

Leading and monitoring major and nationally significant infrastructure projects across the UK, you will contribute to securing planning consents, leading negotiations with statutory bodies, acting as a Planning Expert Witness, and mentoring your team. You will also support new work‑winning opportunities in line with WSP’s Growth Strategy.

• Lead consenting inputs on major rail and transportation infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs, etc.).
• Provide strong technical leadership and advice to clients, managing their consenting requirements.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of consent applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008 and other regimes.
• Act as Project Director for projects managed by the Infrastructure Planning business.
• Lead complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Act as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations, hearings or inquiries.
• Support the Service Line Director in pursuing new work‑winning opportunities.
• Line‑manage and mentor colleagues in their project delivery roles.
• Hold a degree in town planning (or equivalent) and be a member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of project finances and sound project‑management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.

If you don’t meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply – we’ll review how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

• Hybrid working policy – work from home two days a week while also having opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusion and belonging initiatives, employee resource groups and a culture of integrity and respect.
• Health and wellbeing support, including the Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, gym‑flex scheme and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex‑your‑time programme – “WSP My Hour” allows one hour each day for personal activities and flexible working arrangements.
• Development and training opportunities through mentoring, chartership and continuous learning programmes.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by a 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 local communities and propelled by international talent.

Here at WSP we 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 interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria – please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.