Graduate Planner

Job Title: Graduate Town Planner

Location: Colchester, Essex

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy in the appointment of a Graduate Planner to join their established planning team in Colchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious graduate looking to begin their career within a highly respected consultancy that delivers planning, architecture, engineering and surveying services across a broad range of sectors including residential, commercial, education, healthcare, defence and mixed-use development.

Working alongside experienced Chartered Town Planners, you''ll receive structured mentoring, exposure to a wide variety of planning projects and full support towards achieving MRTPI status.

The Role

As a Graduate Planner, you will become involved in projects from inception through to determination, gaining valuable experience across all aspects of the planning process. You''ll work closely with colleagues from multiple disciplines, giving you a well-rounded understanding of development and the built environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications.
• Undertaking planning research, site appraisals and policy reviews.
• Supporting the production of Planning Statements, Design & Access Statements and planning appraisals.
• Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, consultees and clients.
• Assisting with pre-application enquiries and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting planning appeals and representations.
• Producing clear, accurate reports and technical documentation.
• Maintaining project records and supporting project administration.
• Working collaboratively with architects, engineers and other consultants to deliver integrated development solutions.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree (or be 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 analytical, research and organisational abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

What''s on Offer

This employer places genuine value on career development and employee wellbeing, offering an environment where graduates can thrive both professionally and personally.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary with regular salary reviews.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Full support towards MRTPI accreditation.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas shutdown.
• Company pension scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Professional membership support.
• Regular social and team-building events.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Volunteering days.
• Life assurance.
• Early finish incentives when company targets are achieved.
• Clear career progression within a growing national consultancy.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Graduate Planner looking to launch their planning career with a supportive, multidisciplinary consultancy offering excellent training, varied projects and genuine long-term progression.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)