Graduate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Kettering; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Healthcare through AXA

35 days' annual leave

Enhanced pension scheme

Training and career development

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment seeks a Graduate Town Planner to join a supportive multidisciplinary team in Northampton. You will work on diverse planning projects, receive excellent training and have opportunities to develop specialist expertise while managing your own projects under supervision.

The role offers a pathway to RTPI membership, with progression and ongoing CPD, a competitive salary of £25,000–£30,000, and comprehensive benefits as you begin your planning career.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or Geography.
• Ambition to work towards RTPI membership and further professional qualifications.
• Excellent written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, able to work independently and manage own projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare planning research, reports and planning applications.
• Manage smaller planning applications while supporting senior colleagues on larger developments.
• Produce planning statements, appraisals and professional reports.
• Liaise with clients, local authorities and stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Attend site visits and provide planning advice and recommendations.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver client service and develop expertise.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Problem-solving skills

Independent working

Education

Town Planning or Geography degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Graduate Town Planner

Location: Northampton

Salary: £25,000/£30,000

Launch Your Career in Planning

Penguin recruitment is presenting an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team where you'll work on a diverse range of planning projects while receiving excellent training and career development.

You'll be involved in projects ranging from self-build homes and rural diversification schemes to major residential, commercial and strategic developments. Working alongside experienced planners, surveyors, architects and engineers, you'll gain valuable hands‑on experience while managing your own projects and developing specialist expertise.

The Role

As a Graduate Planning Consultant, you will:

• Prepare planning research, reports and planning applications.
• Manage smaller planning applications while supporting senior colleagues on larger and more complex developments.
• Produce planning statements, appraisals and professional reports.
• Liaise with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Attend site visits and provide planning advice and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver outstanding client service.
• Develop your professional knowledge and work towards RTPI membership with full support.

About you

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated and eager to learn.

Ideal, you'll have:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related subject such as Geography.
• An ambition to work towards RTPI membership and further professional qualifications.
• Excellent written communication and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What's on offer?

This is more than just a job-it's a genuine opportunity to build a successful long-term career with outstanding support and benefits, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Full support towards a Master's degree, including funded tuition and day release.
• Ongoing CPD and professional training opportunities.
• Private Healthcare through AXA.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including a health plan and annual flu jab.
• 35 days' annual leave (including bank holidays).
• An extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Additional annual leave awarded for long service.
• Discretionary bonus potential.
• Enhanced workplace pension scheme.
• Employee loan scheme and staff discounts following successful probation.
• Salary sacrifice schemes including Electric Vehicles and Cycle to Work.
• Flexible 37.5-hour working week with an agile working approach.
• A friendly, supportive team environment with genuine opportunities for career progression.