Strategic Site Director Planning Consultancy ( North)

Overview

In this role you will lead WSP’s Planning Consultancy for strategic sites across the UK, acting as a market leader to grow the business. You will drive master development opportunities from plan promotion to delivery, collaborating with developers, funders and public-sector partners. You’ll oversee large, multidisciplinary projects with governance, risk, budget and quality controls, while providing strategic planning and development advice. You will strengthen client relationships and secure major commissions, contributing to communities and regional economies. This is a high‑impact leadership role at the forefront of transformational planning projects with a strong, inclusive culture.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• work-life balance
• flexible working arrangements
• health & wellbeing support (Thrive programme)
• gymflex discount
• culture of inclusivity and belonging

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of the strategic sites business and act as market ambassador
• Shape and drive business development strategies with master developers, landowners, investors and public-sector partners
• Lead and manage large, multidisciplinary projects from plan promotion to delivery (including EIA and consenting)
• Oversee governance, risk, programme, budget and quality assurance across projects
• Provide strategic planning and development advice on infrastructure delivery, viability, phasing and land-use strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with strategic site developers, funders and local authorities
• Represent WSP in negotiations, forums, hearings and examinations
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and secure internal pipeline opportunities
• Mentor and develop planning professionals and contribute to the business unit’s strategy

Key requirements

• Senior Planning Director with a strong reputation in strategic sites and major development
• Proven leadership of large, interdisciplinary teams on complex, multi‑phase projects
• Extensive experience with plan promotion, applications, EIA and delivery
• Strategic planning and development expertise, including advising master developers and assessing infrastructure delivery and viability
• Experience across both public and private sectors with understanding of political, commercial and delivery contexts
• Track record of business development, work winning and securing major commissions
• Established client relationships with strategic site developers, promoters, funders and landowners
• Experience delivering under major frameworks and securing repeat work
• Strong collaboration within a large multidisciplinary organisation
• RTPI qualified
• Experience in Oxford-Cambridge Arc, SE and Yorkshire beneficial

• Strong client relationship management
• Strategic thinking and market leadership
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Strategic planning and development expertise
• Master planning and land-use strategy
• Infrastructure delivery and viability assessment

…