Senior Land & Consents Consultant

Senior Land & Consents Consultant - WSP (UK & Ireland) At 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 clients developing major highway, rail, energy and renewable infrastructure projects. As a valued member of our Land team, you’ll play a crucial role in delivering essential services related to land acquisition, valuation, compulsory purchase, compensation, landowner engagement, land access, wayleaves, consents, and negotiations. What We Need We are looking for a senior level consultant to strengthen our team. The role will involve site‑based work for projects in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire, with remote work based in one of these areas and occasional travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth. Responsibilities Negotiating access to and acquiring complex land for high‑profile, strategic infrastructure projects across Scotland, and potentially 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 available mechanisms to acquire land (such as CPO, TCPA, DCO) on behalf of 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, etc.). Working with WSP’s wider multi‑disciplinary teams across a range of sectors and locations across the UK. Qualifications & Experience Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Effective, concise communication with strong influencing and negotiating skills. Ability to work autonomously, and communicate with the rest of the team effectively while working remotely. Proven track record in leading delivery of land and property related services. Experience of land assembly projects and the requirements around GDPR and data protection and security of personal data. Experience of negotiating agreements for access to or rights in property (e.g., Heads of Terms for licences or leases, wayleave, servitudes, exclusivity agreements, option agreements). Experience of managing and settling a range of voluntary and compulsory purchase compensation claims. Experience of valuation of land and/or buildings. Experience in high‑profile infrastructure development schemes, particularly in road, rail, gas, electricity, water, utilities or renewable energy sectors. Understanding of land ownership and occupation in Scotland and its implications for securing agreements for clients. Understanding of relevant Scottish legislation, including the Planning system, NPF4, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Electricity Act 1989, 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 in Scotland, Crofting Law, and broader relevant legislation. Ability to travel to site and remote locations. Associate or full Membership to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or other professional membership or chartership is desirable but not essential. WSP supports team members towards professional accreditation. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Other Industries Professional Services To find out more about our Land services business, visit https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/services/land-referencing-and-land-assembly. Apply today and join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. #J-18808-Ljbffr