Assistant Planner / Planner in Milton Keynes

Are you an ambitious, adaptable, up-and-coming Planner looking for your next step within a successful, collaborative Planning department within a leading, forward-thinking and sustainable property consultancy firm? Join our Milton Keynes Planning team at Bidwells, who offer a comprehensive planning service to a wide range of clients across various sectors including housing, defence, commercial, education, energy infrastructure, hospitality and leisure across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and beyond.

We deal with the preparation of planning and development appraisals, planning applications, planning appeals and strategic plan led promotion. Utilising our significant local knowledge and expertise, we are trusted by our clients to develop and execute bespoke strategies to realise the development potential of their land. We have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Planner or Planner to provide support on a variety of projects ranging from smaller-scale developments to strategic urban extensions.

In addition to assisting senior team members, you will take increasing responsibility for managing your own caseload of projects, and collaborate closely with other Departments including land and development, heritage, landscape, EIA, rural and building teams.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assist with site assessments to establish development potential, including policy analyses and planning histories.
• Prepare Planning Statements to support applications.
• Help formulate planning strategies for site promotion through the Local Plan process.
• Manage and anticipate client needs, ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• Answer client correspondence and telephone queries professionally and promptly.
• Represent client interests throughout the planning process.
• Maintain commercial awareness regarding profitability and agreed fee proposals.
• Record professional time accurately on a daily basis.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, national policy, and Government guidance.
• Proactively monitor Local Government websites and the publication of development plan documents within the region.
• Network and build internal and external relationships.
• Understand other Departments and our services to enable cross-selling and identifying other new opportunities for the business.
• Share information internally.
• Maintain our CRM, databases and systems.
• Continue professional development in line with RTPI requirements.

About you:

• Relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate qualifications, preferably in Town/Urban Planning (or similar) and accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Actively working towards, or a Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Passionate about planning and committed to providing professional, proactive and innovative solutions.
• Experience within a planning related role is preferable.
• Business and financial discipline in order to record time, expenses etc and understand turnover and profitability.
• Excellent IT (MS Office), report writing, English and communication skills.
• A team player whilst also being able to work independently.
• Full driving licence.

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.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with a generous salary.
• 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 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.