At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow strategic site projects, shaping communities and regional economies.
- Company: Join WSP, a leading planning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, professional growth, and the chance to influence major developments.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with a strong pipeline of exciting opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant development projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic sites and experience in multidisciplinary project management.
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 (South) employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of ambition, innovation, and professional excellence. As a Strategic Site Director in our Planning Consultancy team, you will have the unique opportunity to lead nationally significant development projects while collaborating with a diverse group of talented professionals. Our flexible regional base allows for personal growth and the chance to influence the future of UK development, making WSP a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy (South)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Wsp In The Uk & Ireland who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy (South)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Wsp In The Uk & Ireland. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland.
