Technical Director Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Leeds

Technical Director Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects and secure necessary consents for impactful developments.
  • Company: Join WSP, a top consultancy with a focus on innovative town planning.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on landmark projects.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team making a positive impact globally.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while collaborating with industry experts.
  • Qualifications: Degree in town planning and experience in project management required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.

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:

  • Leading consenting inputs on major projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc).
  • Providing strong technical leadership and advice to clients and managing their consenting requirements.
  • Co-ordinating the preparation and submission of consent applications which may include applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008 or other regimes.
  • Acting as Project Director for projects led and managed by the Infrastructure Planning business.
  • Leading on complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
  • Acting as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries.
  • Supporting and pursuing new work winning opportunities in line with WSP's Growth Strategy.
  • Strong understanding of project finances and demonstrable project management experience within a consultancy environment.
  • Line management / mentoring colleagues by supporting them in their work project delivery roles.
  • Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
  • Member of the RTPI.

Don't quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

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.

Technical Director Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Leeds employer: WSP

WSP is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, allowing you to work on landmark infrastructure projects while connecting with industry leaders. With a strong commitment to employee growth, WSP offers numerous opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a supportive community. Located in the UK, you'll be part of a market-leading team recognised for its excellence in planning consultancy, making a meaningful impact on sustainable development across various sectors.

WSP

Contact Details:

WSP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching WSP and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, so you can show how your skills align with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in infrastructure planning and consenting.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your technical expertise and leadership experience clearly and concisely.

Tip Number 4

Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we’re keen to see how your unique experience can fit into our team. Remember, we value diverse perspectives and are excited to hear from you!

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning) in Leeds

Technical Leadership
Consent Management
Project Management
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Regulatory Knowledge
Town and Country Planning Act

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Director role. Highlight your experience in town planning and how it aligns with WSP's focus on major infrastructure projects.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've led or contributed to. This will help us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

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 projects you've worked on, especially those involving DCOs or DNSs. Highlight your role in securing consents and managing stakeholder relationships, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and leadership skills.

Engage with WSP's Values

Research WSP’s recent projects and their approach to community engagement. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture of innovation and collaboration, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the company ethos.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, and WSP's growth strategy. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.