Graduate Planner

Lichfields UK; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor programme

Profit-sharing bonus scheme

Job summary

Lichfields UK in Edinburgh invites graduates to join its planning and development consultancy. You will work on exciting UK-wide projects under the guidance of senior planners, contributing from day one.

The graduate development programme will sharpen professional and interpersonal skills, with a clear path toward RTPI/RICS status within a staff-owned practice that values inclusion and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Final year students or those with up to 1 year of relevant experience welcome.
• Undergraduate degree with 2:1 or higher preferred.
• Master’s RTPI/RICS accreditation desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support senior planners in advising major clients on UK-wide projects.
• Engage in the graduate learning and development programme to accelerate RTPI/RICS progression.
• Contribute to a diverse range of planning projects and collaborate with the team.

Skills

Graduate mindset

Education

2:1 undergraduate degree

Master’s degree in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects (desirable)

Job description

Exciting Graduate Opportunity in Planning and Development Consultancy. Are you a highly motivated graduate eager to embark on a career in a thriving and independent staff-owned planning and development consultancy?

Department: Planning

Location: Edinburgh

We are seeking graduates who share our passion for shaping the most exciting projects across the UK. We were named Consultancy Practice of the Year at the 2026 RESI Awards and are honoured to be one of the 'Best Places to Work in Property' by Property Week magazine.

Key Responsibilities

Why Join Lichfields?

• Dynamic Environment: You'll be at the forefront of advising major clients on a diverse range of projects, offering you a chance to take on significant responsibilities right from the start and make a real difference.
• Competitive Rewards: Your hard work and dedication will be well-rewarded, both financially and in career growth. We offer a highly competitive salary and profit-sharing bonus scheme for all staff.
• Supportive Culture: At Lichfields, we foster a supportive and collaborative culture where we take care of one another and have a busy calendar of staff and client social events.
• Flexibility and Inclusivity: We prioritise flexibility and work-life balance and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As part of the Government's Disability Confident Committed Employer scheme, we actively support candidates with disabilities.
• Professional Development: Our comprehensive graduate learning and development programme will sharpen your professional and interpersonal skills so your career can develop quickly. We aim to accelerate your progress towards becoming a certified member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) within the Planning and Development field, with the support of our dedicated MENTOR scheme.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• We are open to graduates in their final year of study or those with up to one year of relevant experience.
• A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent at the undergraduate level is preferred.
• A master's degree in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects (or predicted completion) is highly desirable.

Lichfields is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected characteristics. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.