At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning applications for major infrastructure projects and provide technical advice to clients.
- Company: Join WSP, an award-winning consultancy with a focus on innovative infrastructure planning.
- Benefits: Be part of a global team, enjoy career growth, and make a positive impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to develop skills and contribute to landmark projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while collaborating with top professionals in your field.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning and experience in securing consents for major projects.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 € per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
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. In December 2025, WSP won the RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year with judges commending the Team for their excellence in uniting diverse disciplines to achieve outstanding results, praising the team's strong community engagement. It has never been a more exciting time to join WSP’s market-leading Infrastructure Planning Team.
Our success is built on employing highly skilled consenting specialists that have experience in serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation sectors. We work at all stages of the consenting process from early feasibility, application preparation and delivery of consents through construction and on a variety of projects across sectors. With notable contract and framework awards from National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership as well as awards from many other clients, we have a great foundation for growth in 2026.
Our key clients include National Grid as part of the Great Grid Partnership, National Gas as part of Project Union, 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 to sustainably grow as a business, we are looking for an experienced Senior Consultant to join our team to support town planning and consenting inputs on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The successful candidates will have demonstrable experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams to secure consent and approvals for major or nationally significant infrastructure projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008 and Transport and Works Act Order. We are also interested to hear from people that have experience in securing consents for major projects by means of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, or the Electricity Act.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
- Lead preparation of Town & Country Planning Act applications for infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Support and lead on aspects of consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc).
- Providing sound technical advice to clients and support managing their consenting requirements, demonstrating awareness of client’s expectations and needs.
- Working and liaising 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.
- Understands project and team roles and actively supports and contributes to achievement, building positive relationships within the team.
- Proactively engages with developing own knowledge and skills to build ability and team’s internal knowledge base.
- Supports work winning opportunities in line with WSP's Growth Strategy, contributing to identifying opportunities and to proposals.
- Awareness of project finances and demonstrates project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
- Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
- Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
Principal Planner Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Birmingham employer: WSP
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our talented team of professionals. With access to landmark projects and a commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career development in the dynamic field of infrastructure planning. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and together, we can make a meaningful impact on communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the town planning and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and successes in securing consents for major infrastructure projects. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to companies like WSP directly through our website. Express your interest in joining the team and share how your skills align with their needs. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their values and how they engage with communities. Tailor your responses to reflect how you can contribute to their success, especially in the context of their diverse portfolio of clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for town planning shine through! We want to see how your experiences and interests align with the exciting projects we tackle at WSP.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planner role. Highlight relevant experience in securing consents and working with multi-disciplinary teams, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with WSP.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act, Planning Act 2008, and other relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these laws and how you can navigate them effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of major infrastructure projects you've worked on. Highlight your role in securing consents and approvals, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to liaise with statutory bodies and stakeholders. Share instances where you've successfully managed client expectations and built positive relationships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
WSP values teamwork, so be sure to discuss your experience working within multi-disciplinary teams. Talk about how you’ve contributed to team success and supported colleagues in achieving project goals.
