Graduate Planner

Graduate Town Planner role supporting planning applications, development projects, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement while working toward Chartered RTPI membership.

We're looking for a motivated, ambitious and commercially minded Graduate Planner to join our growing Town Planning team in September 2027. 

Based at our office in London, you'll gain hands-on experience across a diverse portfolio while working alongside industry-leading experts and building the foundations of a successful Planning career. 

Our planning projects span everything from mixed-use new settlements and Private Rentes Sector (PRS) accommodation to education and horse-racing facilities, R&D campuses, business parks, heritage conversions and new homes. We work with a diverse client base including major housebuilders, developers, universities, leisure organisations, housing associations and private investors.

What you’ll be doing

As a graduate, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our department. You’ll join a collaborative, supportive team that values knowledge-sharing and cross-disciplinary working. Regular catch-ups, team events and joint projects create a strong sense of community and offer fantastic opportunities for professional growth.

Some of your key duties may include: 

• Working as part of a multi-skilled planning team including specialists in Heritage, Socio-economics, social value and Environmental Impact Assessment.

• Supporting the delivery of a range of development projects through the planning application or Local Plan process, from small-scale proposals right through to strategic-scale developments, giving you a variety of roles and experiences.

• Undertaking planning appraisals including site visits, analysis of local and national policy and interpretation of material planning considerations.

• Managing engagement with local planning authorities, communities and other stakeholders.

• Providing commercial and specific planning advice to clients.

What you’ll achieve 

At Bidwells, we're invested in your long-term career development. Our Graduate Planners benefit from structured support, mentoring and practical experience designed to help them progress towards Chartered RTPI membership (MRTPI). 

For those without an RTPI-accredited qualification, this includes support through the RTPI's Experience-Based Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) pathway, providing an established route to professional accreditation while building experience in a leading planning consultancy.

You'll also join our two-year graduate development program, designed to enhance your personal effectiveness, commercial and financial acumen and client delivery skills. This program will help you build a robust foundation for a successful career in the property sector, taking you beyond your current technical expertise.

About You

• An RTPI accredited degree.

• Passionate about planning and making a positive impact on the communities where we work.

• Excellent research & analytical skills along with the ability to write compelling prose.

• Relevant work experience within the planning sector.

• A team player who embraces collaborative activities, takes responsibility and acts with a commercial mind.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Why Bidwells?

We’re a different kind of business. Whilst we’re a major player in the property sector, Bidwells remains a privately-owned, independent Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. We give our people autonomy and take the time to listen. As a certified B Corporation (B-Corp), we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation and creating long-term value for our clients, communities and the environment.

At Bidwells, we are driven by our mission to provide the UK’s most sustainable and innovative property advice. For over 185 years, we have been at the forefront of real estate and have expanded our influence from our Cambridge head office across the Golden Triangle and beyond. 

In 2024, Bidwells became among the pioneering UK property consultancies to receive BCorp accreditation, reflecting our commitment to being a responsible, purpose-driven business.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and group bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.

• Comprehensive Benefits: including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.

• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.

• Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.

• Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.

• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer agile working to support it.

Bidwells is committed to an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and belong. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and flexible working requests are considered from day one.

Right to Work in the UK

Any employment offer made is contingent on you obtaining and maintaining the right to work and reside legally in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work within the UK, where you can maintain and demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment.   

Bidwells are unable to sponsor candidates for this role as the Home Office's eligibility criteria will not be satisfied.