Senior Land Consultant

WSP is a leading engineering and professional services firm that supports land referencing, acquisition and access across major infrastructure projects in the UK and Ireland. WSP Land is the largest land business in the region, working on projects in Energy, Highways, Rail, Water, Aviation and Local Government.

Senior Land Consultant

Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth (hybrid working). Apply today.

About the role

The Senior Land Consultant will secure land, land access and coordinate surveys, build relationships with stakeholders and landowners through statutory powers and negotiation, and lead audits and quality assurance of land referencing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Secure land, land access, arrange surveys and build strong relationships with stakeholders and landowners via statutory powers and/or negotiation.
• Lead audits and quality assurance reviews of land referencing documentation and processes.
• Drive integration of land requirements with engineering, planning and environmental strategies.
• Provide senior‑level advice to clients and project boards on land acquisition risks and opportunities.
• Oversee compliance with statutory processes and ensure projects meet regulatory and legal obligations, including data security and privacy.
• Resolve disputes and escalated issues with diplomacy and authority.
• Contribute to commercial strategy and risk management for land‑related contracts.
• Establish training programmes, succession planning within the Land team.
• People management and team leadership.
• Engage with landowners, communities and stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships.
• Arrange and coordinate land surveys, ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards.
• Support junior members with technical training and career development.
• Use statutory powers to acquire land and prepare technical documents for land interests, consents and acquisition.
• Negotiate Heads of Terms to secure land for projects.
• Liaise with landowners, agents, legal representatives, planning authorities and contractors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across UK and Ireland.
• Develop efficient working practices, promote innovation, and deliver best‑value services.
• Travel across UK/Ireland and potentially to WSP’s Global Capability Centre in India.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Geography, Land/Estate Management, Agriculture or a relevant discipline.
• Experience delivering land referencing, land access, landowner engagement services and statutory processes on major infrastructure projects.
• Negotiating experience with landowners and knowledge of the legal process for wayleaves, easements and servitudes.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams across sectors and locations in Ireland and/or UK.
• Track record in reducing land risk and advising on land matters throughout project lifecycle.
• Experience developing orders or consents and knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Experience in infrastructure development schemes (energy, highways, rail, water, aviation).
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills.
• Knowledge of urban or rural environment and farming practices is desirable.
• Professional body membership or chartership is advantageous.
• Ability to travel to various sites and locations as a necessary function.

Benefits

Work‑life balance

Hybrid working policy – two days a week from home, with flexible hours and the option to use WSP My Hour to take time for personal activities. Part‑time and flexible arrangements, plus the ability to buy additional leave.

Inclusivity & Belonging

WSP welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, supports inclusion through employee resource groups, and promotes a culture of integrity and respect.

Health & Wellbeing

Virtual GP service, gym membership discount, comprehensive menopause support package and a Thrive programme for health and wellbeing.

Professional Development

Support for training, mentoring, chartership and career progression within the Land team.

Other Benefits

Competitive salary, flexible working, part‑time options, and additional leave.

Equal Opportunity

WSP is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, etc. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and can provide workplace adjustments.