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- Tasks: Lead town planning for major infrastructure projects and provide expert advice to clients.
- Company: Join WSP, an award-winning consultancy with a global impact.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse team, enjoy career growth, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a community of over 69,000 passionate individuals making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Shape landmark projects and connect with industry leaders in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning and experience in securing consents for major projects.
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. 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:
- Leading the town planning or consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc).
- Providing strong technical leadership and advice to clients, managing their consenting requirements demonstrating awareness of client’s expectations and needs.
- 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.
- Acting as Planning Expert Witness at DCO examinations or other hearings or inquiries.
- Leading on complex negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
- Strong understanding of project finances and demonstrable project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
- Line management / mentoring colleagues by supporting them in their work and 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.
Associate Director (Infrastructure Planning) in Manchester employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Infrastructure Planning) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on 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 the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, especially in infrastructure planning. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Associate Director in Infrastructure Planning. Highlight your skills in managing multi-disciplinary teams and securing consents for major projects.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at WSP.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Infrastructure Planning) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for infrastructure planning! Share why you're excited about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at WSP. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in town planning and consenting processes. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Associate Director role, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain how your experience with major infrastructure projects makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good narrative!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation and frameworks relevant to the role, like the Town and Country Planning Act and the Planning Act 2008. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but also understand the complexities involved in major infrastructure projects.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully led town planning or consenting inputs. Highlight your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and how you’ve navigated complex negotiations with stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about WSP’s current projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your genuine interest in the company but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
WSP values diverse perspectives, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for infrastructure planning and how you envision contributing to their landmark projects. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates!