Principal Transport/Development Planner

About the Role

You will support private‑sector clients through the planning process and public‑sector clients in developing transport and parking strategies and scheme development. The team works closely with our Highways, Services, Structures and Environmental groups to lead larger multi‑disciplinary development proposals. Your day‑to‑day duties include providing technical transport planning input on development projects, performing project management and leadership tasks where appropriate, and mentoring early‑career professionals to ensure successful project delivery. You will lead transport planning on small to medium projects, collaborate with senior colleagues on complex multi‑disciplinary work, enhance your commercial skills, and expand your professional network to support business development. • Lead technical transport planning for development projects, including assessments, travel plans, access and parking strategies. • Produce traffic flow data for Transport Assessments and Environmental Statements. • Operate junction capacity modelling software (e.g., Junctions 10, Linsig) and conduct scenario testing. • Manage project budgets, resources, and invoicing for small‑to‑medium scale projects. • Supervise conceptual junction design, including priority, roundabout, and signal layouts. • Mentor early‑career professionals and share technical expertise. • Communicate effectively with clients, project teams, co‑professionals, and stakeholders. • Utilize day‑to‑day software packages such as Excel and Word. • Develop a professional network and pursue chartered status in a transport‑related discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸transport planning
• ▸traffic modelling
• ▸junction modelling
• ▸project budgeting
• ▸conceptual design
• ▸mentoring

What You Bring

We are recruiting a Principal Development Planner with a strong transport planning background to join our Development team in Liverpool. The role involves working on commercial, retail, residential, and transport strategy projects, providing inputs to masterplans and expert‑witness evidence. We expect you to have experience leading technical work such as transport assessments, travel plans, access and parking strategies, sustainable transport and active travel provisions, and familiarity with guidance like NPPF, DfT Transport Assessment guidelines and Manual for Streets. Additional expectations include preparing traffic flow data for transport assessments, operating junction capacity modelling software (e.g., Junctions 10, Linsig), managing project budgets and resources, supervising conceptual junction design, and communicating confidently with clients and stakeholders. Proficiency in Excel and Word, a growing professional network, and pursuit of chartered status in a transport discipline are also desirable.

Requirements

• ▸transport planning
• ▸junctions10
• ▸linsig
• ▸excel
• ▸chartered
• ▸budget management

Benefits

At WSP you can leverage a global scale to contribute to landmark projects while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in your field. The culture encourages curiosity, celebrates new ideas, and values diverse perspectives, offering you the chance to shape a career uniquely your own. We promote work‑life balance with a hybrid working policy that allows two days of remote work per week, complemented by modern office collaboration spaces. Our inclusive culture welcomes applicants from varied backgrounds, encouraging individuals to bring their authentic selves to work and supporting them through employee resource groups and a commitment to respect and belonging. Health and wellbeing are supported through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, Gymflex gym membership discounts, and a comprehensive menopause support package. The “WSP My Hour” initiative lets you take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexible options to make up the time, alongside part‑time, flexible working arrangements and additional leave purchases. We invest in your development through training, mentoring, and support for chartership, fostering a supportive environment for continuous growth. • Hybrid working: two remote days per week plus collaborative office time. • Flexible “WSP My Hour” for personal activities and various flexible working options. • Health and wellbeing support via Thrive programme, virtual GP, Gymflex discounts, and menopause package. • Inclusive culture with employee resource groups and commitment to diversity and belonging. • Development opportunities including training, mentoring, and chartership support.

Work Environment

Hybrid