Senior VP, Planning Lead

The Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior VP, Planning Lead for our New England team in the following offices: Boston, MA / Merrimack, NH/ Glastonbury, CT/ Shelton, CT/ Worcester, MA/ Providence, RI. Be involved in projects with our New England Planning Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

The primary need is in the New England market, providing technical leadership while enhancing client contacts and driving overall long-term growth of planning work in Boston and New England. The successful candidate may also support business development and project delivery in other Northeast offices/market.  
 

WSP employees actively champion Inclusion & Diversity programs and initiatives throughout the country at the national, regional, and local levels. Here in the Northeast region, we act on the company’s inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging principles through a variety of committees that partner with professional organizations, lead STEM outreach in our communities, facilitate regular learning opportunities through Lunch & Learn discussions and weekly “Inclusion & Diversity Moments,” and promote Inclusion & Diversity throughout the office through a variety of initiatives designed to reduce bias and raise awareness. Upper management supports these initiatives, and all employees are invited to join their local councils or apply to become an “Inclusion & Diversity Ambassador,” which brainstorm and implement the various initiatives and programs.  

 

Your Impact

• Drive the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Planning work for WSP in area of responsibility, while also expanding into new areas.
• Identification of opportunities and a prioritized and specific approach to deliver them:
  • Grow and maintain a large professional network through professional organizations and the attendance of client commission and committee meetings
  • Network and grow relationships at both a technical and policy level, considering both perspectives on behalf of our clients.
  • Identify and pursue project opportunities 
  • Identify and include junior staff in meaningful roles in client meetings and business development 
  • Identify and encourage opportunities for junior staff to grow in project management, strategic and business planning, and business development 
• Lead project teams and manage projects:
  • Manage project scope, schedule and budget of assignments provided by clients
  • Prepare and assure the quality of reports, publications, maps, presentations, memos, letters, and other project materials.
  • Analyze data and model results for their impact on public policy, project alternatives, and suitability
  • Maintain familiarity with and conduct project activities in compliance with appropriate federal, state, and local regulations
  • Lead public meetings and project events
  • Manage client relations and serve as primary contact between clients and WSP, for project assignments and planning services
• Participate in local American Planning Association and WTS organizations and activities
• Maintain ongoing familiarity with trends and emerging issues related to transportation, land use, economic development, and demographic shifts
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide “trusted advisor” service and future ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 15+ years of Transportation Planning experience in a corporate environment. 
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices 
• Experience in transit planning, corridor planning, regional planning studies, conceptual design, transit corridor analyses Knowledge of principles and practice of research and data collection
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent analytical, written, oral, and visual communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and critically about planning issues
• Proven track record of successfully managing a pipeline of work for staff
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of how to leverage existing skillsets and an ability to incorporate existing staff into the pursuit of new projects
• Project management expertise