Do you have what it takes to join our Planning team?
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 Norwich, 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.
Interested in joining us but looking for a different location?
In addition to this Norwich-based opportunity, we also have Graduate Planner vacancies across the following offices:
To explore our Graduate Planner opportunities in other locations, please visit our current vacancies page here: https://bidwells.livevacancies.co.uk/#/
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.
Use of AI
Here at Bidwells, we don’t use AI to screen your application. A member of our Talent team will review it personally, because we believe recruitment is about people, not algorithms.
As for your application, we know AI can be a great tool, but please don’t let it do all the talking. Use AI to help you prepare if you would like, but make sure your application is authentic and reflects you. We want to hear your voice, your experience and what makes you, you.
Selection Process & Key Dates
We're committed to providing a fair and engaging recruitment experience. Below is an outline of our selection process and indicative timelines.
Online Aptitude Test: Following our initial application review, shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete an online aptitude test. Invitations are expected to be issued on or around 6th November.
Stage 1 Interview (Microsoft Teams): Candidates who successfully complete the aptitude test will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview with our Early Careers lead. These interviews will take place between 23rd November and 4th December.
Final Interview & Assessment Centre: Successful candidates will then be invited to attend our final interview and assessment centre on Monday 7th December. This stage provides an opportunity for you to learn more about Bidwells, meet members of the team and demonstrate your skills through a series of activities and interviews.
Keeping You Updated: We aim to communicate outcomes as quickly as possible after each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that the dates above are indicative and may be subject to change.
Our Graduate vacancies are due to close on Saturday 31st October 2026, however we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Graduate Planner in Norwich employer: Bidwells
Bidwells is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Oxford's thriving science and technology sector. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits, and a culture that prioritises inclusivity and work-life balance, employees are empowered to take on meaningful responsibilities while collaborating with industry leaders on innovative projects. Join us to advance your career in a supportive team that values your growth and well-being.
