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- Tasks: Lead planning applications for major infrastructure projects and provide expert technical advice.
- Company: Join WSP, an award-winning consultancy with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a difference in sustainable infrastructure while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning and RTPI membership or eligibility required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
WSP is an award‑winning consultancy employing the largest number of chartered town planners across the UK. In December 2025, the firm was recognised as RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year for its ability to unite diverse disciplines and deliver outstanding results, with strong community engagement praised by judges. It is an exciting time to join WSP’s market‑leading Infrastructure Planning Team.
The team employs highly skilled consenting specialists who deliver projects across the energy, renewables, nuclear, net‑zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation sectors. We work through all stages of the consenting process, from early feasibility to construction, and partner with a diverse portfolio of clients such as 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 many more.
To continue sustainable growth, WSP is looking for an experienced Senior Consultant to support town planning and consenting on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience securing consent and approvals for major projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act Order, and where applicable, the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act or the Electricity Act.
Responsibilities- Lead preparation of Town & Country Planning Act applications for infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Support and lead consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs, etc.).
- Provide sound technical advice to clients and support management of their consenting requirements, demonstrating awareness of client expectations and needs.
- Work and liaise with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients to help deliver projects.
- Lead and engage with teams across a variety of disciplines, providing technical oversight.
- Understand project and team roles and actively support and contribute to achievement, building positive relationships within the team.
- Proactively engage in developing own knowledge and skills to enhance team internal knowledge base.
- Support work winning opportunities in line with WSP’s Growth Strategy, contributing to identifying opportunities and to proposals.
- Show awareness of project finances and demonstrate project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
- Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
- Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
For more information about WSP’s Infrastructure Planning business, visit Infrastructure planning and consulting | WSP.
Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Wsp In The Uk & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WSP and its projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our work and how you can contribute to our Infrastructure Planning Team. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and the specific skills we’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. We want to see your confidence shine through when discussing your experience with major infrastructure projects and planning legislation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar as we make our decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience with the Town and Country Planning Act and any major projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at WSP!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about infrastructure planning and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone who can provide sound technical advice, so don’t shy away from showcasing your technical skills in your application. Mention any relevant software or methodologies you’re familiar with that could benefit our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity in our Infrastructure Planning Team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation like the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008. Being able to discuss these acts confidently will show that you understand the framework within which WSP operates.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of major projects you've worked on, especially those involving DCOs or TWAOs. Highlight your role in securing consents and approvals, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to deliver results.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
WSP values strong community engagement, so be ready to discuss how you've liaised with statutory bodies and stakeholders in past projects. Share examples of how you’ve built relationships and navigated complex stakeholder environments.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to lead diverse teams. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in previous roles. This will show that you can foster collaboration and drive project success.
