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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects and coordinate planning applications.
- Company: Join WSP, an award-winning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects that shape communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning and experience in securing project approvals.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on multidisciplinary teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) role at WSP.
About WSP
WSP is an award‑winning consultancy with the largest number of chartered town planners in the UK. In December 2025, WSP won the RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year award. Our Infrastructure Planning team leads projects in energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation. We bring strong community engagement and a multidisciplinary team to deliver major and nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead preparation of Town & Country Planning Act applications and coordinate consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs).
- Provide technical advice to clients and manage their consenting requirements.
- Work with statutory bodies and stakeholders to support project delivery.
- Lead and engage cross‑disciplinary teams, providing technical oversight.
- Support business development opportunities and proposals aligned with WSP's Growth Strategy.
- Maintain awareness of project finances and demonstrate project management experience.
Qualifications
- Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
- Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
- Proven experience securing consent and approvals for major or nationally significant infrastructure projects under 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 Electricity Act.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams to secure consent for major infrastructure projects.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Contract
Job Function Other
Industries Professional Services
Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Bristol employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the infrastructure planning field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WSP and their recent projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success. We recommend practising common interview questions related to project management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making you memorable. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Principal Planner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience with Town & Country Planning Act applications and any major infrastructure 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. Don’t forget to mention your experience with multidisciplinary teams and project management.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise in securing consents and approvals. Mention specific projects where you’ve provided technical advice or engaged with stakeholders, as this is key for us at WSP.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Town and Country Planning Act and other relevant legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases where you've secured consent for major projects will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
WSP values multidisciplinary collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse teams. Highlight your role in leading or engaging with these teams to deliver significant infrastructure projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical knowledge and project management experience. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing project finances and how you ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Acumen
WSP is focused on growth, so think about how you can contribute to business development. Be prepared to discuss any proposals you've worked on and how you identified opportunities that align with a company's growth strategy.
