Assistant Planning Consultant - 2026 Planning Graduate Programme - Birmingham, West Midlands, U[...]

Newmark; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy firm in Birmingham is seeking an Assistant Planning Consultant as part of its Graduate Programme. Candidates will receive tailored training and mentorship while gaining hands-on experience across diverse planning projects. Responsibilities include supporting planning applications, conducting research, and contributing to client meetings. The perfect opportunity for motivated graduates looking to start their career in planning consultancy, with competitive benefits and a clear pathway to RTPI qualification.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days' holiday per year

Pension match up to 8%

Private Medical Insurance

Paid volunteering day

Performance-related profit share

Wellbeing allowance

Critical Illness Cover

Interest Free Season Ticket Loan

Interest Free Rental Deposit Loan

Group income protection scheme

Qualifications

• Currently studying or recently completed an RTPI-accredited degree.
• Desirable previous work experience in planning or related field.
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Planning professionals in preparing planning applications.
• Conduct detailed research and analysis of planning policy.
• Attend client meetings and stakeholder consultations.

Skills

Motivated

Analytical skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Research skills

Education

RTPI-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree

Job description

About the team

The Planning and Development advisory team consists of more than 120 professionals and is the only fully integrated planning and development team in our sector. We have over 70 planning consultants and 45 surveyors in the team, based in London, Birmingham and Manchester, advising clients across the UK.

As part of a multi-disciplinary firm, we are able to provide strategic commercial advice across all sectors, working in partnership with our clients and consultant teams to repurpose underperforming assets and enhance returns through creative planning approaches, transaction structures and delivery solutions.

The Birmingham planning team works on a diverse portfolio : residential, employment, regeneration, mixed‑use, public sector, and strategic land projects. The team frequently collaborate with London and Manchester colleagues to deliver consistency, cross‑market knowledge and scalable solutions.

The Role

As part of our Graduate Programme, you will join a structured pathway designed to help you build a successful career in planning consultancy. We will provide tailored training, professional mentorship, and real project responsibility from day one, supporting you to work towards becoming a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI).

As an Assistant Planning Consultant, you will play a key role in supporting our planning team on a wide range of projects. You will be actively involved in both strategic and development management planning, gaining exposure to every stage of the planning process.

Programme Highlights

• Gain hands‑on experience across our experienced planning team, gaining insight into the full planning process from initial strategy through to application and delivery.
• Gain experience across a broad mix of projects, including urban regeneration, residential, commercial offices, retail and leisure, industrial and logistics, infrastructure and energy, heritage sites, and public sector developments.
• Work with a wide range of leading developers, investors, landowners, local authorities and public sector bodies.
• Receive mentorship and structured support from senior colleagues and our structured development programme and develop professional competencies required for RTPI accreditation.
• Newmark sponsors your professional qualification to RPTI, enabling you to accelerate your career.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Planning professionals by preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals, and related documentation.
• Undertake detailed research and analysis of planning policy, site constraints, and development potential.
• Attend client meetings, stakeholder consultations, and site visits to contribute to project delivery.
• Monitor local planning activity and policy changes, ensuring projects remain aligned with current requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, manage deadlines, and assist in coordinating project outputs.
• Assist with the preparation of planning appraisals and appeals, providing technical input as required.
• Contribute to business development by supporting bid submissions, proposals and marketing initiatives.
• Engage in collaborative cross-team projects to broaden planning and development experience.

Qualifications

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic graduates who are eager to begin a career in planning consultancy and contribute to shaping the built environment.

• You must be currently studying or recently completed a RTPI‑accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
• Previous work experience in planning, development, or a related field (internship, placement, or voluntary) is desirable.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients and internal teams.
• Take initiative to develop skills, knowledge, and networks that support long-term career growth.
• Demonstrate a curious mindset by questioning assumptions and seeking smarter, more effective ways to work.
• Understand local and global trends and their potential impact on the business and clients.
• Analytical and research skills, with the ability to evaluate information and present findings effectively.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and balance multiple tasks.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with a willingness to contribute ideas and support colleagues.
• A genuine interest in planning, development, and sustainability.

Benefits

• Salary : competitive based on market and professional experience
• 26 days' holiday per year, plus Bank Holidays and extra days at Christmas and New Year
• Pension - We match your contributions up to 8% (after initial probationary period)
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality
• 1 paid volunteering day per year to help give back to our local communities
• Performance related staff profit share scheme
• Wellbeing allowance which can be used for either physical or mental wellbeing activities
• Critical Illness Cover - Employee paid scheme offered at a competitive rate through Aviva
• Dental Insurance (self-funded) - access to employee-paid dental care at competitive rates
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan
• Interest Free Rental Deposit Loan
• Group income protection scheme

Working Hours

Our hybrid working policy outlines for the majority of roles to be in the office for 3 days per week, with 2 days working from home. We also offer great flexibility around our core hours, which are from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. You can choose to start and end your day around these hours, provided you still do your 7.25 hours per day (e.g. 8.00 am - 4.30pm, 10.00 am - 6.30 pm). This position also involves out of hours working on an 'as necessary basis'. We are open to flexible working arrangements for everyone. This can be discussed during the application process or upon commencement.

Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq : NMRK), together with its subsidiaries ("Newmark"), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark's comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue‑chip companies. Combining the platform's global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Newmark generated revenues of approximately $2.5 billion. As of March 31, 2024, Newmark's company‑owned offices, together with its business partners, operated from approximately 170 offices with 7,600 professionals around the world. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.