Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy ( North) in Leeds

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. 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.

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

To enhance work‑life balance, 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. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why 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.