Job Description

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.

Closing Date: Friday 9th October 2026

A little more about your role...

Due to continued growth across and our expanding portfolio of public and private sector commissions, including our appointment to major National Highways frameworks, we are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Transport Planning to join our Transport & Mobility team. This Associate Director role can be based from either our Manchester or Newcastle offices.

This is a senior leadership role supporting the delivery and growth of a diverse portfolio spanning:

• National Highways spatial planning and development management commissions.
• Strategic transport studies and route strategies.
• Local Plan, Local Transport Plan and spatial planning evidence.
• Development-led transport planning and land promotion.
• Major infrastructure, NSIP and DCO projects.
• Public sector transport planning and regeneration initiatives.

Working alongside Technical Directors, Associate Directors and a multidisciplinary team of transport planners, engineers, modellers, economists and environmental specialists, and collaborating across WSP's UK offices, you will play a key role in shaping transport solutions and supporting sustainable growth across the North of England.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Project Delivery

• Lead the delivery of complex transport planning, spatial planning and development planning projects across the North of England.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams delivering Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, Travel Plans, active travel strategies, access strategies and development mitigation proposals.
• Lead and oversee National Highways spatial planning and development management commissions, including planning application reviews, Local Plan representations and strategic planning advice.
• Provide senior technical direction on Local Plans, Strategic Development Frameworks, Infrastructure Delivery Plans, Local Transport Plans and growth strategies.
• Lead transport planning inputs to major infrastructure projects, including NSIPs and Development Consent Order applications.
• Advise on transport impacts affecting the Strategic Road Network (SRN), supporting evidence-led decision making and sustainable growth.
• Contribute to strategic studies, route strategies, option assessments and business case development.

National Highways and Public Sector Leadership

• Act as a senior client interface for National Highways and other public sector clients.
• Support and help grow WSP's National Highways Spatial Planning and Development Management portfolio across the North West, North East and Yorkshire.
• Provide expert advice on planning policy, economic growth, infrastructure requirements and development impacts affecting the SRN.
• Support Development Management, Spatial Planning, Route Strategy and Strategic Studies commissions on behalf of National Highways.
• Manage relationships with Local Planning Authorities, Local Highway Authorities, Combined Authorities, National Highways and key infrastructure stakeholders.

NSIP, DCO and Expert Evidence

• Support the transport planning workstreams on NSIP and DCO projects in the transport, energy, industrial and regeneration sectors.
• Support DCO preparation, examination and post-consent delivery.
• Lead Statements of Common Ground and engagement with statutory stakeholders.
• Act as Expert Witness or provide hearing-level support at: Planning Appeals, Examinations in Public, DCO Examinations & Public Inquiries

Project Governance and Commercial Leadership

• Take responsibility for commercial and project governance across a portfolio of projects.
• Develop scopes, fees and resource plans.
• Manage project budgets, programmes, risk and quality assurance.
• Monitor financial performance, workload forecasting and utilisation.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with WSP's People, Clients & Growth, Operations and Expertise pillars.

Lead business development activities across the North of England.

• Develop client relationships and strategic account plans.
• Identify and secure opportunities with public and private sector clients.
• Prepare and lead bids, frameworks, tenders and fee proposals.
• Support growth of National Highways, local authority, developer and infrastructure sector commissions.

People Leadership

• Line manage, mentor and develop members of the Transport & Mobility team.
• Support chartership, professional development and career progression.
• Contribute to succession planning and capability development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Promote wellbeing, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion across all activities.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• Significant experience in transport planning and/or spatial planning within a consultancy, infrastructure or public-sector environment.
• Demonstrable experience leading development planning projects from feasibility through planning approval and implementation.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system, including: Town and Country Planning Act regime, Planning Act 2008 regime, National Planning Policy Framework, Local Plan processes and Development Management procedures
• Proven experience working with Local Planning Authorities, Local Highway Authorities and key infrastructure stakeholders.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and teams.
• Strong commercial and project management capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting and resource management.
• Experience developing client relationships and winning new work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and public-facing documentation.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Chartered status, or demonstrable progression towards chartership.

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 80,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

#LI-AT1

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.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

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

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing 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 understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP 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.