Graduate Planner - Thames Valley (2027)

Lichfields; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Lichfields is offering a graduate opportunity in planning and development consultancy in Thames Valley. We welcome graduates in the final year or with up to one year of relevant experience, with a 2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree and a desirable Master’s in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects.

You will join a staff-owned practice with a mentor scheme and a robust graduate learning programme, aiming to fast-track progression toward RTPI or RICS membership within the Planning field.

Qualifications

• Final year student or up to one year of relevant experience.
• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree.
• Master's in RTPI/RICS accredited subjects desirable.

Responsibilities

• Graduate learning and development programme to sharpen professional and interpersonal skills.
• Progression towards RTPI or RICS membership with mentor support.
• Support advisers on UK projects within planning & development consultancy.

Education

2:1 or equivalent

Master's RTPI/RICS accredited (desirable)

Job description

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026

Department: Planning

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Thames Valley

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.

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.