Principal Airport Planner

This opportunity offers the rare advantage of working within a truly global environment, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of over 200 talented professionals in South Africa, spanning Highways, Transport Planning, ITS, Rail, Civil, Bridges, Water, Maritime, and Advisory sectors.

The role offers a unique platform to expand your professional expertise, influence international projects, and contribute to advancing WSP's reputation as a leader in

innovative infrastructure solutions.

The Airport Planning team provides end-to-end expertise across the planning lifecycle: from project feasibility and option appraisals to public consultation, application preparation, supporting inquiries, and examinations, through to preliminary and detailed design.

Our aim is to ensure every design is fully optimised, future-ready, and fit for construction. Our client base includes leading public and private sector organisations across South Africa.

As Principal Airport Planner, you will:

•  Serve as a core member of the South Africa T&I team, delivering strategic support from Bengaluru on high-impact, international airport planning projects.
• Work under the mentorship of leaders in both India and South Africa, developing expertise while growing Airport Planning capability in India.
• Organise, manage, and deliver work to the highest professional standards, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with WSP's guiding principles.
• Engage in clear, consistent communication with colleagues in both regions; contribute actively to team and project meetings.
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams, supporting Team Leaders, Line Managers, and Project Managers to ensure seamless delivery.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks, demonstrating initiative and research-driven problem-solving.
• Contribute to project management, staff development, and capability growth withinthe India team.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior colleagues, nurturing talent and building\ strong technical capability
• Support and strengthen client relationships, maintaining regular interaction with South Africa offices.
•  Assist in planning resources, utilisation, performance evaluation, and professional development of the team.
• Leverage the opportunity to be mentored towards attaining professional membership with globally recognised institutions.
• Actively participate in knowledge-sharing forums, both internal and external, and support business development activities including technical input into bids and 
  proposals.
• Uphold WSP's unwavering commitment to Health & Safety across all work practices. 
  Ensure accurate and timely completion of project timesheets and other documentation.

 Proven international experience in Airport Planning.
· Recognized professional institution membership (Engineering Council UK or
equivalent).
· Strong understanding of airport planning processes, legislation, and industry
standards.
· Demonstrated expertise in:
· Traffic and passenger forecasting
· Planning parameters and facility requirements
· Delivering airport concept designs
· Developing and updating airport masterplans
· Collaboration with architects and multi-disciplinary teams
· Exceptional skills in report writing, data analysis, and technical communication.
· Strong teamwork and coordination abilities, with experience leading and mentoring teams.
· Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
· Outstanding verbal and written English communication skills; detail-oriented, proactive, and outcome-driven.
· Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. 
· High level of self-motivation, integrity, and professional ethics. 
· Strong sense of accountability with the ability to work independently and under pressure.

DESIRABLE SKILLS
· Knowledge of airport planning practices in South Africa.
· Experience with baggage handling systems, passenger boarding bridges, security screening systems, and facilities planning.
· Experience in Obstacle Limitation Studies (OLS).
· Proficiency in ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD.
· Experience in project/design management and supporting business development activities, including preparation of technical and commercial bid components.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant discipline.
· Postgraduate qualification in a related field.
· Minimum of 8 years' international experience, preferably within the SA, UK, Middle
East, or equivalent global markets.