Senior Development Planner

Overview

In this role you drive sustainable transport planning for development proposals within a cross‑disciplinary team. You’ll guide concept studies, Transport Statements/Assessments, Travel Plans, and access studies from early planning through to planning consent and implementation.

You’ll manage client relationships, lead project delivery, and collaborate with design, infrastructure, and environmental teams on high‑profile, multi‑disciplinary projects across the UK and beyond. This is an opportunity to shape development outcomes at scale and contribute to WSP’s vision of technical excellence and sustainable growth.

Pay / Benefits

• work‑life balance
• hybrid working policy (home two days a week)
• inclusive culture and belonging
• Thrive health and wellbeing programme
• Virtual GP and menopause support
• Gymflex discount for gym memberships (40%)

Responsibilities

• Deliver concept studies/strategies and transport-focused documents (Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, Travel Plans, Parking/Access/Movement Studies)
• Lead or support delivery of planning applications and post‑permission/condition discharge
• Provide proactive leadership to foster collaborative client and team relationships
• Maintain high standards of technical competence and client satisfaction
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and internal/external multidisciplinary teams
• Keep up‑to‑date with standards and influence WSP profile through networking
• Mentor and guide developing staff within the team
• Manage projects to budget and programme while meeting technical and legal requirements
• Involve in client engagement, stakeholder management, and design team liaison
• Oversee or participate in project management, financial and contract aspects of development projects
• Support and contribute to the Development Team’s multi‑disciplinary growth and project delivery

Key requirements

• Numerate first degree in Transport, Mathematics, Geography, Civil Engineering, Planning or related subject
• Experience as lead client contact for consultancy services with strong client relationship skills
• Strong written communication with a track record of compelling development proposals
• Knowledge of transport planning guidance and best practice
• Experience delivering transport planning across development planning, scheme delivery, sustainable transport and active travel
• Experience with junction design (priority, roundabout, signals) and related standards
• Working knowledge of junction modelling software (Junctions 9: PICADY & ARCADY, and Linsig) and mentoring others in these tools
• Strong numeracy, problem‑solving, and innovative thinking
• Experience in financial and programme management of projects using business tools
• Team management experience including line management and day‑to‑day operations
• Solid understanding of financial and contractual aspects of planning, bidding, and delivery of projects
• Postgraduate experience and nearing Chartership or equivalent commercial responsibility
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Leadership and team mentoring
• Transport planning guidance and best practice
• Transport Statements/Assessments and Travel Plans
• Parking and Access Studies

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