Senior or Principal Town Planner

Bidwells; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Up to 8% pension

28 days holiday + birthday off

Flexible working / agile working

Job summary

Bidwells in Cambridge is seeking a Senior or Principal Planner to join our expanding planning team. You will work on high-profile city centre developments and growth projects across science, tech, mixed-use, residential and commercial schemes, shaping the future of Cambridge.

You’ll provide strategic planning advice, manage client relationships, mentor juniors, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. A RTPI-registered degree and strong communication skills are essential; a full UK driving

Qualifications

• A town planning or relevant degree or equivalent.
• Full membership of the RTPI or actively working towards this.
• Excellent report writing, communication and IT skills.
• Good interpersonal communication and client-focused approach.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Providing commercial planning advice to clients and formulating planning strategies.
• Preparing fee proposals and responding to new enquiries.
• Managing engagement with local planning authority and stakeholders.
• Undertake site assessments and establish development potential.
• Prepare high‑quality planning submissions and progress applications.
• Research and compile evidence to support planning case.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Keep abreast of legislation and government guidance.
• Support other team and admin duties as needed.

Skills

Town planning

Client relationship management

Team mentoring

Report writing

Education

Planning degree or equivalent

Full RTPI membership or working towards

Job description

Are you passionate about town planning and eager to make a meaningful impact on the future of the places where we live, work, and play? We are looking for Planners who are not only committed to excellence but are also driven by a desire to make a difference.

Our well-established Cambridge Planning consultancy team at Bidwells is at the forefront of some of the most significant and transformative projects in the region and in shaping sustainable real estate. Due to growth, we’re currently looking for an experienced, qualified Senior or Principal Planner to join the team.

As a key member of our successful team, you’ll play an integral role in the growth and regeneration of Cambridge. We’re working on some of the most impactful schemes on the market, offering unmatched individual exposure and growth opportunities. You’ll engage in high-profile city centre redevelopments, focusing on Science and Tech, Research and Development, as well as significant mixed-use, residential and commercial developments.

Our Planning team is amongst the largest in the UK and we’re currently going through a period of exciting growth. You’ll join a dynamic and collaborative department where teamwork is key. We regularly hold departmental catch‑ups, team get‑togethers, and cross-group collaborations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share knowledge and work alongside experts across various disciplines. This collaborative environment not only enhances your own professional development but also fosters a strong sense of community within our department.

Our planning team collaborates closely with our development, agency, capital markets, rural, and building teams, providing access to major mixed‑use projects, science and technology initiatives, and a wide range of other diverse developments.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing commercial planning advice to a range of clients and formulating planning strategies to promote sites.
• Taking new job enquiries and preparing fee proposals.
• Proactively managing engagement with the local planning authority and other stakeholders.
• Undertake site assessments and establish development potential.
• Preparing high-quality planning submissions and progressing applications through the planning system.
• Research and compiling robust evidence to support the planning case.
• Prepare design and access statements and other planning documents and reports.
• Representing the clients' commercial interests throughout the planning process. Written representations and assist in informal hearings and public enquiries.
• Mentoring junior members of the team.
• Developing and maintaining current and new client relationships, identifying opportunities for new business for the department and other services.
• Keeping abreast of relevant legislation, regulations and government guidance.
• Understanding and managing any potential conflicts of interest.
• Other ad hoc team support, town planning or admin duties as needed.

About you

• A town planning or relevant degree or equivalent.
• Full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or actively working towards this.
• A good up‑to‑date and working knowledge of town planning and the planning system. Ideally this experience will have been gained in either a consultancy or local government environment.
• Excellent report writing, communication and IT skills, with good attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal communication and relationship management skills. Client focused and resolved to exceed client expectations.
• Commercially aware with a focus on the bottom line.
• Strong team player.
• Full UK driving licence.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
• Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
• Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.
• Work-Life Balance: We value your well‑being and offer agile working to support it.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells is one of the first property consultancies in the UK to receive BCorp accreditation, reflecting our commitment to being a responsible, purpose‑driven business. As a certified B Corporation (B‑Corp), we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation, and creating long‑term value for our clients, communities, and the environment. This unique achievement sets us apart from other property consultancies and underscores our dedication to operating with integrity and sustainability at the core of everything we do.

Whilst we’re a major player in the property sector, Bidwells remains a privately‑owned, independent Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. We give our people autonomy and take the time to listen.

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.