At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow strategic sites portfolio, driving major development opportunities across the UK.
- Company: Join WSP, a leading planning consultancy with a strong national presence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional growth, and the chance to shape significant development projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to a large multidisciplinary team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and economies through transformational projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic planning and development with strong client relationships.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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. 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.
Locations
Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy (South) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: WSP
WSP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leaders can thrive and make a significant impact on the future of UK development. With a strong focus on professional growth, our culture fosters innovation and ambition, providing access to one of the largest multidisciplinary planning teams in the country. Join us in a role that not only shapes communities but also offers flexible regional bases aligned with exciting growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy (South) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
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We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy (South) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to WSP. 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!
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How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨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.
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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.
