Senior Airport Planner UK Wide

As one of the world’s leading engineering, professional services and technical consultancy firms, at WSP, we are passionate about providing answers to the big questions. For us that is all about going above and beyond what is expected, to deliver innovative, efficient, effective and sustainable planning solutions that will make a positive difference for people today and have a lasting impact for the benefit of future generations.

We are currently seeking a Senior Airport Planner with more than 5 years’ experience that will join a team of aviation professionals to help support and grow the Airport Planning & Advisory team in the UK. You will be working on a range of projects across the UK and Internationally with a strong focus on delivering high quality airport planning services and solutions. The Senior Airport Planner role will support the Airport Planning and Advisory Team across business development, technical development, project delivery, and people development. 

WSP specialise in airport planning and advisory for aviation infrastructure both in terms of planning new airports and assessing existing airports for their potential for redevelopment, expansion and operational improvement. 

• In terms of Airport Planning, the team delivers consultancy services relating to airport master planning, demand forecasting, capacity analysis, terminal and support facility planning, airfield planning and phasing, airside and terminal simulation modelling, and environmental and sustainability advice.
• In terms of Aviation Advisory, the team provides aviation business and regulatory advice, including regional and national policy studies, technical advisor roles for investors and lenders, economic analysis, research and benchmarking, technical due diligence for acquisitions and privatisations, and airport operations advisory. 

WSP recognises that Airports have become more than places where travellers arrive and depart. As global connectivity hubs, they drive innovation and technological developments, and they stimulate social and economic activity in their local communities. Our global aviation projects range from strategic consulting services to project management, from microsimulation models to airport master plans, from terminal expansion to carbon accreditation, and from rehabilitating runways to implementing baggage handling systems.

A typical week would include: 

• Contributing to and/or leading the technical delivery of airport planning tasks on a variety of domestic and international aviation projects;
• Coordinating, supervising and/or delivering airport planning & capacity solutions as part of airport master plan and development projects, covering airfield, apron, terminal, landside, ancillary facilities etc;
• Undertaking analytical studies relating to capacity-demand analysis;
• Preparing airport master plan, terminal layout or airfield layout drawings in AutoCAD; 
• Undertaking airfield and/or terminal simulation modelling work using software such as AirTOP or CAST;
• Being responsible for the successful management of airport planning tasks, workstreams or small to medium-sized projects and coordinating with specialist teams, including sub-consultants;
• Assisting the project manager with the management of internal/external clients, and the project processes;
• Contributing to and/or leading the preparation of bids and proposals for potential new projects; and
• Providing technical training and professional guidance and mentorship to the early career professionals within the team.
   

We’d love to hear from you if you have: 

• A Bachelor degree, or preferably a Masters degree, or other equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as air transport management, airport planning, engineering, architecture, or transport planning;
• Chartership with a relevant professional body is preferred but not mandatory;
• A proven track record in an Airport planning role with either a consultancy or airport operator – with strong experience in areas including airport master planning, terminal and/or airside spatial planning; capacity analysis, terminal facilities planning, support facilities planning, and familiar with CAA, EASA, ICAO and IATA and other standards applicable to aviation;
• Strong spatial planning and master planning skills, including the ability to use Auto CAD for the development of airport layout drawings;
• Strong data analysis and presentational skills;
• Competent project management skills and experience;
• Possess a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; 
• Working knowledge and experience of simulation & modelling tools for airfield and terminal facilities will be favourably considered e.g. AirTOP or CAST;
• A keen interest in ensuring that airport development plans incorporate ‘future ready’ ideas to deliver efficient and effective airports of the future, based on achieving net-zero, decarbonisation, and sustainable aviation goals;
• A good understanding of the environmental impacts of aviation including noise, air quality and carbon assessments would be beneficial, though not a requirement;
• Fluent in the English language with excellent verbal communication and writing skills.  Additional language skills could be beneficial; and
• A willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

What if we can?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can!

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application. 

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including a 37.5 hour working week, 25 days annual leave, pension schemes, life assurance, personal accident cover and paid professional subscriptions, and some not so standard benefits as part of our flexible benefits scheme – so if you would like to hop on a new bike (cycle to work scheme) or thrill the family with your Lego building skills (Discount at Legoland Windsor) – WSP can help!

Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognise the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Our VIBE (LGBT + employee network) and PLEDGE (Promoting Leadership, Encouraging Diversity & Gender Equality) networks work with the business to help ensure we continue to promote the right environment to enable LGBT+ and female employees to reach their full potential, and to ensure we continue to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

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. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

In addition, we support our people to achieve their personal health and well-being goals through our Thrive programme.

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