Planner

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 team at Bidwells, who are strategically placed at the heart of the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford growth corridor where the appetite for development provides the team with opportunities to work on a range of exciting and varied projects.

We offer a comprehensive planning service to a wide range of clients (including developers, landowners and occupiers) across a range of sectors including commercial, residential, hospitality, leisure and rural development). We deal with the preparation of planning and development appraisals, planning, conservation area, listed building consent applications and planning appeals and also submit representations on draft Development Plans.

If you aren't yet Chartered, we can help you get there and mentor you through the accreditation process.

What you'll be doing

• Take new job enquiries and prepare fee proposals.
• Undertake site assessments.
• Planning research and drafting reports.
• Prepare and progress high quality applications through the planning system.
• Prepare robust evidence, Design and Access Statements and other planning documents required to support applications.
• Formulate strategies to promote development sites through the plan-making process.
• Written representations and assist in informal hearings and public inquiries.
• Client relationship management: manage and anticipate client needs, regularly engage and update clients, seek feedback, represent clients' commercial interests throughout the planning process.
• Proactively managing engagement with the local planning authority and other stakeholders.
• 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.
• Keep abreast of relevant legislation, regulations and government guidance.
• Provide ad hoc town planning advice or undertake ad hoc administrative duties as and when instructed.

About you

• Relevant undergraduate and post graduate 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.
• 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 generous salary. 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 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.