Principal Land Consultant (Land and Consents)
Join to apply for the Principal Land Consultant (Land and Consents) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.
We are WSP – a global professional services firm specialising in engineering and advisory services. We are one of the UK’s largest suppliers of Land Services to our clients who develop major highway, rail, energy and renewable infrastructure projects, all of which impact privately owned land. We are currently working on projects for high‑profile clients such as SSE Transmission and Distribution, National Gas, Transport Scotland, Heathrow Airport, Thames Water, Hynet, Dublin Metrolink, RWE Renewables and Statkraft.
What We Need
With continued project success and the award of new projects, our projected pipeline of work is healthy, and our 2026–2027 growth strategy aims to further increase projected revenue. The Land Discipline is expanding the team of experienced land professionals by adding a senior level consultant. From the Land team, you will play a crucial role in delivering essential services related to land acquisition, valuation, compulsory purchase, compensation, landowner engagement, land access, wayleaves, consents and negotiations.
This role will involve a significant amount of site‑based work for projects in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire. It would suit a candidate based in one of these areas working remotely, with occasional travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth.
A Little More About Your Role
* Negotiating access to and acquiring complex land for high‑profile, strategic infrastructure projects across Scotland, and supporting other projects across the UK.
* Securing appropriate land rights for large‑scale development projects.
* Providing strategic land advice to our clients.
* Drafting and preparing consent documents.
* Utilising statutory powers and other mechanisms to acquire land on behalf of WSP clients across highways, rail, water, gas and all energy sectors including renewables.
* Negotiating heads of terms to secure land for projects.
* Liaising with major landowners, land agents, legal representatives, planning authorities, key stakeholders, contractors and clients.
* Managing and settling compensation claims (e.g. CPO, land damage, voluntary).
* Working with WSP’s wider multidisciplinary teams across a range of sectors and locations around the UK.
At the Principal Land Consultant grade, you would also be involved in:
* Supporting and/or developing a team of early‑career professionals, providing technical training and career development support.
* Line management of direct reports within the land team.
* Participating in leadership team discussions, influencing and advancing its growth and development.
* Participating in business development opportunities, attending industry events and raising WSP’s profile within the industry.
* Providing training on any specialist skills you may bring to the table.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
* Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
* Effective, concise communication with strong influencing and negotiating skills.
* Ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively while working remotely.
* Proven track record in delivering land and property related services.
* Experience of land assembly projects and GDPR and data protection security of personal data.
* Experience negotiating agreements for access to or rights in property (e.g., heads of terms for licences, leases, wayleave, servitudes, exclusivity agreements, option agreements).
* Experience managing and settling voluntary and compulsory purchase compensation claims.
* Experience in valuing land and/or buildings.
* Experience in high‑profile infrastructure development schemes, particularly road, rail, gas, electricity, water, utilities or renewable energy sector.
* Understanding of land ownership and occupation in Scotland and its implications for securing agreements.
Relevant Knowledge
* Scottish planning system, NPF4 Town and Country Planning Act 1997
* The Electricity Act 1989
* The Gas Act 1986
* Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 & Transport Act 1962
* Water Industry Act (Scotland) Act 2002
* Water (Scotland) Act 1980
* Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968
* Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
* Agricultural tenancies/agreements in Scotland
* Crofting Law
* Broad knowledge of other relevant legislation and procedures.
Additional Information
* Ability to travel to remote locations.
* Associate or full Membership to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or another professional membership or chartership is desirable but not essential. WSP supports team members towards professional accreditation.
Make your career future‑ready
Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69 000 employees working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
Application
Apply today.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Other
Industries
Professional Services
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