Senior/Principal Planner – Team Lead

About the role

WSP is seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Planner to lead and grow its planning team in Tauranga. This leadership position combines deep technical planning expertise with people management, client engagement, and strategic business development to shape sustainable communities across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of planners, fostering an inclusive, high‑performance culture.
• Drive technical excellence and ensure strong project performance across a diverse planning portfolio.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Manage project pipelines to support sustainable, long‑term business growth.
• Provide trusted, pragmatic planning advice to public and private sector clients.
• Prepare and review district and regional plan changes, submissions and technical reports.
• Lead resource consent applications, environmental effects assessments and community engagement processes.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Support commercially successful project delivery, including pricing, financial performance and risk management.
• Contribute to business development, strategic planning and market growth opportunities.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in planning, resource management or a related discipline.
• Membership of NZPI, EIANZ or a similar professional body.
• 8‑10+ years of professional experience in resource management or planning.
• Proven experience leading people and projects in a consulting environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act and related planning legislation.

Required skills

• Resource management planning.
• Environmental effects assessment.
• Community engagement.
• Legislative compliance (RMA, LGA).