Assistant Town Planner in Bedford)

Penguin Recruitment; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking a Town Planner to join a dynamic consultancy in Cranfield. This role offers opportunities for graduates as well as experienced planners in a supportive culture prioritizing talent and collaboration. The position features flexible hybrid working and a focus on professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Award-winning training and mentoring programme

Career development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Open to graduates and those with 1-6+ years of experience.
• Ideal candidates are proactive communicators with strong collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Support and manage planning applications, appeals, and policy work.
• Work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Communicate effectively with clients and local authorities.

Skills

Communication

Research

Report Writing

Client Liaison

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Town Planner (Assistant to Senior Level)

Location: Cranfield (Hybrid: Office-based Monday-Thursday, WFH Fridays)

Type: Full-time (Graduate role starts part-time with progression to full-time)

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience + benefits

Are you a passionate and proactive Town Planner looking to grow your career in a dynamic, forward-thinking consultancy? Whether you're just starting out or already established in the field, this is a rare opportunity to join a small, high-performing team that challenges convention, fosters talent over hierarchy, and supports professional growth at every level. We're hiring on behalf of a bold and ambitious planning consultancy based in Cranfield.

Who We're Looking For:

We're considering applications at three levels:

Planning Assistant (Graduate Entry):

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Ideal for recent graduates or early-career candidates

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Opportunity to rotate through Planning, Strategic Land, and Ecology teams

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Start part-time (3 days/week), progressing to full-time after 6 months

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Award-winning training and mentoring programme

Town Planner:

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1-3 years' experience, preferably in a private consultancy

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Confident communicator, adept at research, report writing, and client liaison

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Involvement in planning applications, appraisals, and small to mid-sized developments

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Strong collaborative skills with a proactive mindset

Senior Planner:

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3-6+ years' experience with a private sector background preferred

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Ideally experienced in Local Plan representations and strategic land promotion

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Capable of contributing to business development and maintaining client relationships

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Skilled in policy work, strategic site promotion, and managing multiple projects

What You'll Do:

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Support and manage planning applications, appeals, and policy work

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Work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team of planners, land agents, and ecologists

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Communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and local authorities

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Contribute to site appraisals, public consultation, and viability work

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Attend external meetings, site visits, and contribute to internal innovation

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For senior roles: mentor junior colleagues and bring/maintain client relationships

Why Join This Team?

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A truly supportive and open culture where talent is valued over structure

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Work with industry leaders in planning and ecology across impactful projects

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Enjoy early client exposure and fast-tracked career development

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Flexible hybrid working model - office camaraderie + Friday WFH

Interested?

We have many more vacancies available on our website.

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position