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 collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on landmark projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and shape a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning and experience in securing consents for major projects.
- Other info: Be part of a global team of over 69,000 passionate individuals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the role at WSP. 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 and 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.
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.
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 WSPs 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 (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the infrastructure planning field, especially those who work at WSP. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act and other relevant legislation. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your teamwork skills! WSP values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at WSP.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience with the Town and Country Planning Act and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at WSP!
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be working in multi-disciplinary teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've engaged with different stakeholders and contributed to successful project outcomes. We love a good team player!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your experience and qualifications. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community at WSP!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant planning legislation, like the Town and Country Planning Act and the Planning Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of major infrastructure projects you've worked on. Highlight your role in securing consents and how you collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to lead.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve liaised with statutory bodies and stakeholders in past projects. WSP values strong community engagement, so showing that you can build positive relationships will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Growth Mindset
WSP is looking for candidates who are proactive about their professional development. Share how you’ve sought out new knowledge or skills in your field, and how you plan to continue growing within the role.