Principal Land Consultant – Responsibilities
Ensure successful delivery of projects securely, on time, within budget and to high standards
Be a trusted advisor to clients (externally and internally) and manage relationships
Advise on land issues across Ireland and the UK, including relevant statutory processes to acquire land such as DCOs, DNOs, hybrid Bills, Scottish Bills, TWA, T&CPA, CPOs, Motorway Orders, Vesting Orders, etc
Secure land rights for high‑profile, strategic infrastructure projects across all sectors
Liaise with landowners, land agents, legal representatives, planning authorities, key stakeholders, contractors and clients
Work with Land team colleagues and collaborate with engineering, environmental and planning teams both within WSP and as part of project supply chains
Undertake quality assurance of deliverables in relation to the identification of land interests and rights, negotiation of access to land for surveys, consents and acquisition of land rights for large‑scale development projects, and land acquisition and planning applications
Support quality and the sharing of knowledge and lessons across regions and projects
People management as a leader and role model
Manage, motivate, mentor and develop staff and contribute to the development and delivery of the business strategy
Support the writing of bids/tenders to secure opportunities from internal and external clients
Delivery of training on technical topics by contributing to and participating in our CPD‑accredited Land Academy
UK and Ireland travel, plus the possibility of travel to WSP's Global Capability Centre in India
Principal Land Consultant – Qualifications
Expertise in urban and/or rural environment, property, communities and stakeholders
Experience in working on infrastructure development schemes with multi‑disciplinary teams across a range of sectors and locations
Experience of negotiating commercial terms with landowners and knowledge of the legal process for the acquisition of wayleaves and easements and negotiated access
Demonstrable experience of reducing land risk for clients and advising them on land‑related matters throughout all stages of a project lifecycle
Track record of the development of Orders, etc., and/or acquisition of consents and interests in land, and knowledge of relevant legislation
Ability to communicate effectively with strong influencing and negotiating skills
Ability to work in a team and on own initiative, being able to work under pressure and deliver high‑quality outputs
Strong landowner and public engagement skills
Good business and IT skills
Adherence to quality assurance and good document management skills
A degree in Geography, Land/Estate Management, Agriculture or a similar discipline
Chartership or membership of a relevant professional body would be advantageous
The ability to travel effectively to various sites/locations is a necessary function of this role
Location
As part of WSP Land you will be based in one of WSP's many offices across Ireland and the UK, including Dublin, Naas, Belfast and other locations, with the flexibility of hybrid working between an office and home. The role involves projects across all sectors in Ireland and the UK, and may require travel across the UK, Ireland and to WSP’s Global Capability Centre in India.
Benefits
Work‑life balance – Hybrid working policy allows flexibility to work from home or in contemporary offices.
Inclusivity & Diversity – Programs and employee resource groups support a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Health & Wellbeing – Thrive programme and Med24 health support offer unrestricted access to NHS doctors.
Flex your time – WSP Hour, part‑time and flexible arrangements, and bank holiday flexibility.
Your development – Investment in training, mentoring, CPD‑accredited Land Academy and chartership support.
Variety of work – Projects rotate on average every 18 months; activities range from site work, landowner engagement, access negotiations, client meetings, project management, report writing, data management and digital innovation.
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