Graduate Planner - Planning & Development in London

Graduate Planner - Planning & Development in London

London Entry level 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Penguin Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support planning projects from site appraisal to application submission.
  • Company: Leading multidisciplinary design and planning consultancy in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, hybrid working, and professional development.
  • Other info: Gain valuable experience and mentorship in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career on high-profile projects with a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: RTPI accredited degree or Master's in Town Planning; enthusiasm for planning.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

Location: London

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary design and planning practice in their search for a Graduate Planner to join their London office. This is an excellent opportunity for a Graduate Planner to begin their career within a highly respected consultancy, working on a diverse range of residential, mixed-use, regeneration, commercial, education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will gain exposure to high-profile developments while working alongside architects, urban designers, landscape architects, and engineers within a collaborative environment.

THE ROLE

As a Graduate Planner, you will support the delivery of planning projects from initial site appraisal through to planning application submission and determination. Working closely with experienced planning professionals and multidisciplinary teams, you will develop your technical planning knowledge, client-facing skills, and understanding of the wider development process, building a strong foundation as a Graduate Planner within a market-leading consultancy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supporting the preparation and submission of planning applications and appeals
  • Assisting with planning appraisals and development feasibility assessments
  • Preparing planning statements and supporting documentation
  • Conducting planning policy research and analysis
  • Assisting with stakeholder engagement and consultation activities
  • Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, consultees, and project teams
  • Attending client meetings, site visits, and public consultations
  • Supporting senior colleagues across a variety of planning projects

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • RTPI accredited degree or Master's in Town Planning or related discipline
  • Strong academic background and enthusiasm for the planning profession
  • Previous placement, internship, or planning-related experience desirable
  • Strong understanding of the UK planning system
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities
  • Proactive, enthusiastic, and eager to learn
  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams

WHAT'S ON OFFER

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work on high-profile and design-led development projects
  • Full support towards MRTPI Chartership
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • Structured training and mentoring from experienced professionals
  • Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment
  • Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development

Interested? Contact Joel Bland on or email at

Graduate Planner - Planning & Development in London employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Join a leading multidisciplinary design and planning practice in London, where you will kickstart your career as a Graduate Planner. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, you will work alongside experienced professionals on high-profile projects, benefiting from structured training, flexible working arrangements, and clear pathways for progression within a supportive environment that values your growth and development.

Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Contact Details:

Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Planner - Planning & Development in London

Get Involved in Local Architecture Events

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Leverage Your University’s Resources

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Create a Killer Portfolio

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Apply Through Our Website - Be Bold!

Don’t underestimate the power of applying directly through our website! Tailor your application to show your passion for architecture and why you’re keen on joining Penguin Recruitment Ltd. A personal touch can make you stand out in a sea of applicants.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Planner - Planning & Development in London

RTPI accredited degree or Master's in Town Planning
Understanding of the UK planning system
Planning application preparation and submission
Planning policy research and analysis
Stakeholder engagement
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:When applying for an entry-level architecture role like Graduate Planner - Planning & Development at Penguin Recruitment Ltd, don’t forget to include a link to your portfolio. We want to see your design work, whether it's from university projects or personal endeavours. Make sure it's well-organised and highlights your best pieces!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:Your CV needs to sing the song of architecture! Focus on showcasing relevant coursework, software skills (like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit), and any hands-on experience you’ve gained. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical skills and passion for the field.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:This is the perfect opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the architecture world. Share why you’re excited about the role at Penguin Recruitment Ltd and what aspects of architecture particularly inspire you. Keep it under a page and make it personal—show us the real you!

Stay Open to Learning:Since this is an entry-level position, we want to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. Highlight any internships, volunteer experiences, or extra-curricular activities related to architecture. We love candidates who are ready to grow and develop their skills with us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Showcase Your Portfolio

One of the best ways to stand out for an entry-level architecture role is to have a solid portfolio. Make sure it’s up-to-date and showcases your best projects—include any sketches, CAD drawings, or 3D models you’ve created. Be prepared to walk the interviewer through your thought process for each piece; they’ll want to see your design thinking in action!

Know Your Software

Architecture is heavily reliant on specific software tools. Brush up on programs like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit before your interview. If you can demonstrate a good grasp of these tools or discuss how you've used them in projects during your studies, it’ll show you're ready to hit the ground running with the practical demands of the role.

Understand Design Trends

Being up-to-date with current architectural trends could really give you an edge. Whether it’s sustainability practices, contemporary design styles, or urban planning innovations, make sure you can discuss these topics in your interview. Show your passion for architecture by linking your thoughts back to your own design interests and how these trends inform your work.

Express Your Eagerness to Learn

Since this is an entry-level position, your potential for growth matters just as much as your existing skills. Be ready to express your eagerness to learn and adapt. Talk about any internships, coursework, or projects where you’ve taken the initiative to expand your skills, and mention how you're keen on receiving feedback and learning from more experienced colleagues at Penguin Recruitment Ltd.