Graduate Planning Consultant

targetjobs UK; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Southampton is looking for a Planning Consultant, suitable for graduates or those with commercial experience. The role includes working on diverse projects and will involve pre-acquisition due diligence to site delivery. Successful candidates will benefit from mentorship, structured Graduate Programme, and a hybrid working model. The firm offers competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and comprehensive benefits to assure a balanced work-life experience.

Benefits

23 days annual leave

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Health insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field is required.
• Strong knowledge of planning system and EIA regulations.
• Excellent communication and organization skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Involve in planning related issues from pre-acquisition to site delivery.
• Gain experience across a broad range of projects.
• Work effectively within a team and benefit from mentorship.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Team management

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Time management

Education

RTPI accredited degree or equivalent Planning related degree

Post-graduate qualification (Master's preferred)

Job description

We have an opportunity for a Planning consultant either joining as a Graduate within their first professional role, or with some degree of commercial experience post-graduation to join our busy team. Whilst we operate across the UK if you have already graduated there is an opportunity for an early start in Southampton. Please indicate on your CV/cover letter if this is of interest.

With planning instructions across the UK, this opportunity is an excellent prospect for the successful candidate to gain experience across a broad range of projects within multiple geographic areas and LPA administrative areas. The candidate will be mentored by senior members of staff and be given the opportunity to be involved in both planning and EIA related projects.

The role

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become involved in the full breadth of planning related issues from pre-acquisition due diligence all the way through to site delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional opportunity to take a role in a dynamic, forward thinking planning team.

SLR has a hybrid working model, and whilst this role would benefit from the potential for a flexible working environment, the successful candidate would be required to spend at least part of their working week within the office, in order to benefit from the mentorship of the Senior planning team members – as well as technicians, landscape architects, acousticians, air quality and hydrologists and other professionals across the breadth of expertise offered within SLR.

As a graduate you will automatically be enrolled on our structured Graduate Programme which will support both your technical and business development giving you a great foundation for a rewarding and dynamic career.

About Us

SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with 4000+ employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

About You

• RTPI accredited degree or equivalent Planning related degree or post-graduate qualification (or working towards) Masters preferred.
• Good knowledge of the planning system and EIA Regulations.
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and, if necessary, to manage a team of internal or external consultants.
• A keen ability to show initiative when necessary and be involved in business development or industry events.
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent timekeeper.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.

SLR Commitment – All applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.

Additional Information

This role will not be closed before 1st January 2026, however, we will be reviewing and progressing candidates on an ongoing basis, so we recommend making your application at your earliest opportunity.