Graduate Planner

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established, multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy in the recruitment of a Graduate Town Planner to join their growing planning team based in Colchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or someone due to complete their RTPI-accredited degree to kick-start their planning career with a highly respected consultancy offering structured training, varied project exposure and clear progression towards MRTPI status.

Working alongside experienced planners, you will gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of planning projects spanning residential, commercial, education, healthcare, defence and mixed-use developments. You'll be involved throughout the planning process, developing the technical and professional skills needed to build a successful career in planning.

As a Graduate Town Planner, you will:

• Assist in preparing and submitting planning applications.
• Undertake planning research, site appraisals and policy reviews.
• Support the preparation of Planning Statements and supporting reports.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, clients and consultants.
• Assist with pre-application enquiries and stakeholder engagement.
• Gain exposure to planning appeals and development management projects.
• Work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality planning advice.

We're looking for someone who has:

• An RTPI-accredited degree (or is due to graduate) in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography or a related discipline.
• A genuine passion for planning and the built environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn within a collaborative environment.

• Competitive graduate salary.
• Full support towards MRTPI chartership.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas shutdown.
• Company pension scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Professional membership fees paid.
• Excellent mentoring and structured career development.
• Regular social events and team activities.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Volunteering days.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Genuine long-term career progression within an established national consultancy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a people-focused consultancy that invests heavily in its graduates, offering the chance to work on a diverse range of exciting developments while building a long-term career in planning.