2026 Graduate Planner

Carter Jonas; Leeds; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Leeds is seeking an ambitious Graduate Planner to join its Planning and Development division. This role provides support with planning applications and projects, and offers support towards achieving MRTPI qualification. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree and experience within a Planning & Development team. A full UK driving license is essential, and the role includes various responsibilities like liaising with clients and preparing applications. Competitive training and development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Structured training programme

APC registration fee covered

Study leave up to five days

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates should be studying towards an RTPI accredited degree.
• Experience in a Planning & Development team is preferred.
• A full UK driving license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with clients to develop relationships.
• Assess client proposals and prepare fee proposals.
• Provide professional planning advice on various matters.
• Prepare site appraisals through necessary research.
• Assist in preparing and submitting planning applications.
• Negotiate with authorities for planning applications.
• Represent clients at public exhibitions and planning committees.

Skills

Client relationship management

Planning advice

Research skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Accredited planning degree

Job description

We are hiring an ambitious Graduate Planner to join our Planning and Development division in Leeds. This is a varied and interesting graduate role providing support to the Planning and Development team with planning applications and projects. In addition, the planning team will support graduates towards achieving MRTPI qualification, through the APC Structured Training Scheme.

Main tasks

• Liaising and communicating with clients and managing and developing client relationships
• Fielding enquiries from prospective clients, reviewing and assessing their proposals and preparing fee proposals for them.
• Providing professional planning advice to clients on a variety of planning matters
• Undertaking the necessary research to prepare site appraisals.
• Briefing, liaising with and managing external consultants responsible for producing work to support clients’ planning applications and appeals.
• Assisting with the preparation and submission of a variety of different types of planning applications
• Negotiating with local authorities and consultees on behalf of clients in the preparation and management of planning applications, appeals and representations.
• Preparing and assisting with planning appeals via the written representations, informal hearings and public inquiry procedures
• Making representations on behalf of clients to Local Plan consultations and representing clients through the public examination process
• Managing own fee income by monitoring progress towards targets ensuring timely invoicing of work
• Representing clients at public exhibition events.
• Representing clients at planning committee.

What will it take to be successful?

You will ideally have an RTPI or willing to study towards an accredited degree, you will also ideally have experience within a Planning & Development team ideally gained through work experience or placements. It is essential that you have a full UK driving license for our Graduate Planner roles.

Our promise to you

From day one of our scheme, you will be invested in. We offer a structured training programme, an APC supervisor or counsellor, and regular assessments to ensure you achieve the full level of competency required for your APC. In addition, we pay your APC registration fee and your first APC final assessment and offer up to five days study leave.

As a graduate you will benefit from

• A strong network of graduates across all our divisions.
• Formal APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) training.
• RTPI counsellors and mentors to help with both work and study.
• A supportive social environment.
• Regular CPD (Continued Professional Development) opportunities.
• Ongoing and personalised support from industry specialists.
• Gaining real work experience.

Application process

You will be asked to respond to a number of questions about your work experience as well as your motivations and interest in a career in property as well as any extracurricular activities. We ask you to provide reference contact details, one educational and one employment. If successful, you will be invited to attend one of our interview days between December and February.