At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow strategic sites portfolio, driving major development opportunities across the UK.
- Company: Join WSP, a leading planning consultancy with a focus on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, access to a large multidisciplinary team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a culture that supports ambition and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK development while working on nationally significant projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic sites and major development, with strong client relationships.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.
WSP’s Planning Consultancy team is seeking a high-profile, commercially minded Director to lead and grow our strategic sites’ portfolio across the UK. This role is central to driving major development opportunities through plan-making, promotion, consenting and delivery, working at the forefront of transformational projects that shape communities and regional economies. The Director will act as an outward-facing leader, strengthening our market presence, securing major commissions, and overseeing the successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary projects. This is a role for a recognised "winner-doer" who combines strategic insight, technical excellence, and strong client relationships.
About The Planning Consultancy Team
Our Planning Consultancy team sits at the front end of WSP’s Planning & Development business unit, bringing together the full suite of professional services needed to take sites from initial appraisal through feasibility, design, consenting and delivery. We advise on some of the UK’s most significant strategic development projects across residential, commercial, mixed-use, leisure, defence, healthcare and education sectors. Our portfolio includes major urban extensions, new settlements and regeneration schemes such as:
- South Warrington Urban Extension
- Castor & Ailsworth, Peterborough
- Cambridge Business Park
- Eden Project North
This is an opportunity to join a high-performing team with a national footprint and a strong pipeline of strategic development work.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Lead the growth of WSP’s strategic sites business, acting as a visible market leader and ambassador for the Planning Consultancy team.
- Shape and drive business development strategies, securing new opportunities with master developers, promoters, landowners, investors and public-sector partners.
- Strengthen WSP’s position within the strategic development and major projects market.
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead and manage large, complex, multidisciplinary projects from plan promotion through to application, EIA, consenting and delivery.
- Oversee project governance, risk management, programme, budget and quality assurance.
- Provide strategic planning and development advice, including infrastructure delivery, viability, phasing and land-use strategy.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic site developers, funders, local authorities, Homes England and other key stakeholders.
- Represent WSP at senior level in negotiations, public forums, hearings and examinations.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing commercially grounded, outcome-focused advice.
Internal Leadership & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively across WSP’s multidisciplinary teams, securing internal pipeline opportunities and ensuring seamless integration of planning, design, engineering and environmental services.
- Mentor and develop planning and development professionals within the team.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Planning & Development business unit.
Essential Requirements
- Senior Planning Director with a strong reputation in the strategic sites and major development market.
- Proven leadership of large, interdisciplinary teams on complex, multi-phase projects.
- Extensive experience managing strategic sites through plan promotion, applications, EIA and delivery.
- Strategic planning and development expertise, including advising master developers and assessing infrastructure delivery and viability.
- Experience across both public and private sectors, with a strong understanding of political, commercial and delivery contexts.
- Demonstrable track record of business development, work winning and securing major commissions.
- Established client relationships with strategic site developers, promoters, funders and landowners.
- Experience delivering under major frameworks and securing repeat work.
- Strong collaborator, able to leverage internal networks within a large multidisciplinary organisation.
- RTPI qualified.
- Whilst a UK role, experience in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, SE and Yorkshire would be beneficial.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead nationally significant development projects.
- A platform to shape WSP’s strategic sites’ business and influence the future of UK development.
- Access to one of the UK’s largest multidisciplinary planning and development teams.
- A flexible regional base aligned to growth opportunities.
- A culture that supports ambition, innovation and professional excellence.
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.
Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy ( North) in Cardiff employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
WSP is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment where innovation and ambition are celebrated. As a Strategic Site Director in the Planning Consultancy team, you will have the opportunity to lead significant development projects across the UK, supported by a culture of collaboration and professional growth. With access to one of the largest multidisciplinary teams in the country, you will be empowered to shape the future of UK development while building strong relationships with key stakeholders in a flexible and supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy ( North) in Cardiff
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
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✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
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We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy ( North) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
