Graduate Planner - Manchester (2027)

Lichfields UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus scheme

Mentor programme

Social events

Flexible work culture

Inclusive employer

Job summary

Lichfields UK in Manchester invites ambitious graduates to join a thriving planning and development consultancy. You will start a comprehensive graduate learning and development programme designed to accelerate your professional progression toward RTPI or RICS membership with a dedicated mentor.

We value flexibility, inclusivity, and a supportive culture with opportunities to work on high-profile UK projects.

Qualifications

• Final-year student or early career graduate
• Undergraduate degree with a minimum 2:1
• Master's degree in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Participate in the graduate learning and development programme
• Work towards RTPI or RICS membership with mentoring support
• Contribute to diverse planning and development projects across the UK

Skills

Final year student

2:1 degree preferred

RTPI/RICS master's desirable

Education

Bachelor's degree 2:1

Master's in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects

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?

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.

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026

Department: Planning

Location: Manchester

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.

If you are inspired by what we stand for as a business, and seek to make a meaningful impact in planning and development, we invite you to join our dedicated team at Lichfields.