Graduate Town Planner – Oxford

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Oxford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in Oxford is seeking a Graduate Town Planner to join a growing planning consultancy. You will support projects from initial appraisal through to planning applications and appeals, gaining broad exposure to residential, commercial and rural work.

The role offers a clear development path towards RTPI Chartered Town Planner status with mentoring from experienced professionals and a structured training programme.

Qualifications

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography or a related discipline.
• An interest in pursuing a career within private-sector planning consultancy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good research, analytical and organisational abilities.
• An ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Previous planning experience or work experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications.
• Undertaking planning research and site appraisals.
• Supporting strategic land promotion and Local Plan representations.
• Assisting with planning appeals and written representations.
• Monitoring planning policy and legislative changes.
• Liaising with clients, local authorities and other consultants.
• Preparing reports, planning statements and supporting documentation.
• Contributing to a range of residential, commercial, rural and mixed-use projects.
• Developing your professional knowledge and working towards RTPI Chartered Town Planner status.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research

Analytical

Organisational skills

Independent working

Team collaboration

Proactive attitude

Education

Town Planning degree

Geography degree

Related discipline

Job description

Graduate Town Planner | Oxford

Location: Oxford
Salary: £28,000/£30,000
Type: Full-time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Graduate Town Planner to join an established and growing property and planning consultancy based in Oxford.

The business provides specialist planning, development and property advice to landowners, developers and investors, working across a diverse range of projects. The planning team is involved in strategic site promotion, planning applications, development appraisals, Local Plan representations, planning appeals and a variety of residential, commercial and rural development projects. This provides an excellent opportunity for a graduate to gain broad exposure to the planning profession and develop their experience across different project types.

The Role

As a Graduate Town Planner, you will work closely with experienced planning professionals and support the delivery of projects from initial appraisal through to planning applications and appeals. Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications.
• Undertaking planning research and site appraisals.
• Supporting strategic land promotion and Local Plan representations.
• Assisting with planning appeals and written representations.
• Monitoring planning policy and legislative changes.
• Liaising with clients, local authorities and other consultants.
• Preparing reports, planning statements and supporting documentation.
• Contributing to a range of residential, commercial, rural and mixed-use projects.
• Developing your professional knowledge and working towards RTPI Chartered Town Planner status.

Requirements

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography or a related discipline.
• An interest in pursuing a career within private-sector planning consultancy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good research, analytical and organisational abilities.
• An ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Previous planning experience or work experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Benefits

• Competitive graduate salary.
• Professional development and support towards RTPI chartership.
• Exposure to a broad range of planning and development projects.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced Chartered Town Planners.
• Structured training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunity to develop client-facing and consultancy skills.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.
• Potential for long‑term career progression within a growing consultancy.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate looking to establish themselves within private‑sector planning. You will gain hands‑on experience across a varied project portfolio while working alongside experienced professionals, giving you the opportunity to develop your technical planning knowledge, consultancy skills and understanding of the wider development process. The company’s existing Graduate Planners are actively working towards RTPI chartership, demonstrating the opportunity for graduates to build their careers within the business.