Principal/Associate Town Planner

About WSP

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

About the Role

The Planning Consultancy team in Leeds specialises in providing commercial planning advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients. It is an established front end development team which advises on development proposals throughout all stages of the planning process from feasibility, plan promotion, application, EIA and appeal.

Our projects range from complex city centre regeneration sites, tall buildings, strategic housing promotion, repurposing town centres, retail development, sports and leisure, logistics as well as detailed listed building reuse. We act for developers, landowners, student housing providers, financial institutions, strategic promoters, retailers and operators. We are proud to be involved in leading some of the region's largest and most high-profile schemes.

Responsibilities

• Devise planning strategies, assess site's planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan; as well as national planning policy and guidance.
• Prepare briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission for a range of uses.
• Draft planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals.
• Lead planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attend site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Manage project delivery and budgetary control.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP, for example in the Transport or Sustainability Teams, to ensure their advice is factored into the combined advice provided to clients by WSP.
• Monitor planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

Requirements

• Degree level qualification in town planning.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Strong technical skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in an established and growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

What We're Looking For

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can-do attitude. Candidates will have some private sector consultancy or local authority experience, a proven ability to deliver to a high standard, strong communication skills, passion to share their knowledge and a desire to learn and contribute to the on-going success of our team.

You will be a Senior or Principal Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process including planning applications, permitted development, policy frameworks and plan promotion. You will be well versed in using critical thinking to prepare planning appraisals and strategies, the preparation of all planning documentation for developments, the associated negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Opportunities

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.