Associate - Chartered Town Planning

Our well-established Cambridge Planning consultancy team is at the forefront of some of the most significant and transformative projects in the region. Due to growth, we’re currently looking for an experienced Associate Planner to join the team. This role is ideal for an experienced, qualified planner eager to make a meaningful impact on the future of the places where we live, work, and play. We are looking for planners who are not only committed to excellence but are also driven by a desire to make a difference.

As a key member of our team, you’ll play an integral role in the growth and regeneration of Cambridge. We’re working on some of the most impactful schemes on the market, offering unmatched individual exposure and growth opportunities. You’ll engage in high-profile city centre redevelopments, focusing on Science and Tech, Research and Development, as well as significant mixed-use, residential, and commercial developments.

Our Planning team is amongst the largest in the UK and we’re currently going through a period of exciting growth. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our department. You’ll join a dynamic and collaborative department where teamwork is key. We regularly hold departmental catch-ups, team get-togethers, and cross-group collaborations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share knowledge and work alongside experts across various disciplines. This collaborative environment not only enhances your own professional development but also fosters a strong sense of community within our department.

Our planning team collaborates closely with our development, agency, capital markets, rural, and building teams, providing access to major mixed-use projects, science and technology initiatives, and a wide range of other exciting developments.

What you’ll be doing:

• Providing commercial planning advice to a range of clients
• Proactively managing engagement with the local planning authority and other stakeholders
• Compiling robust evidence to support the planning case
• Preparing high-quality planning submissions
• Representing the clients' commercial interests throughout the planning process
• Mentoring junior members of the team
• Developing new business and maintaining current client relationships

About you:

• A town planning degree or equivalent and full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• A good up to date and working knowledge of town planning. Ideally this experience will have been gained in either Local Government or in a consultancy environment.
• Sound knowledge of the planning system together with an interest in a wide range of planning issues.
• Commercially aware with a focus on the bottom line.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Good relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise projects on a day-to-day basis.
• Ability to attract new instructions and clients.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells is one of the first property consultancies in the UK to receive BCorp accreditation, reflecting our commitment to being a responsible, purpose-driven business. This unique achievement sets us apart from other property consultancies and underscores our dedication to operating with integrity and sustainability at the core of everything we do.

Whilst we’re a major player in the property sector Bidwells remains a privately-owned, independent business, a Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. We aren’t like our competition: your opinion matters to us. We know the growth of our business is dependent on our people which is why we harbour a culture of excellence and communal support. We don’t promote people based on length of service, we reward hard work and recognise outstanding performance.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and group profit bonus scheme, variable pay and more!
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, up to 11 additional wellness days per year, car allowance or company car (role dependant) private medical cover, paid sabbaticals, lifestyle discounts and perks.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities with paid professional memberships.
• 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.

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.