Posted: Mon 09 Feb 2026
We are looking for a Senior/Associate Planner to join our experienced and friendly Land, Planning, Development & New Homes Team.
We've been in business in Cambridgeshire for nearly 200 years. We are a privately owned, independent partnership and make buying, selling and taking professional advice easy, enjoyable and rewarding.
We started life as cattle auctioneers back in 1825 and today we have six offices across the region offering advice on property, land, farms, fine art, tractors and steam engines, as well as hosting regular auctions for all of these divisions.
We offer excellent salary and benefit packages, career progression opportunities and support for professional qualifications.
What will you be doing?
You will help grow the Planning & Development team by delivering high-quality planning advice and outcomes for clients, generating repeat work, and identifying new opportunities. You will manage your own caseload, lead projects from instruction to determination, and contribute to business development and strategic land promotion.
Your role at a glance:
Lead and manage a range of planning projects including pre-applications, applications, appeals and post-permission matters (conditions/variations).
Prepare and coordinate planning submissions and supporting documents (e.g. Planning Statements, DAS, technical inputs), managing external consultants.
Promote sites and strategic land through the Local Plan process (Call for Sites, representations, examinations as required).
Build and maintain strong client relationships; identify and convert new instructions through networking, referrals and proactive business development.
Support fee proposals, scopes, programmes and budget management to deliver projects efficiently and profitably.
Contribute to marketing and profile-raising activity (content, events, campaigns), and support junior team members (where appropriate to level).
What will it take to be successful?
MRTPI (or working towards chartership).
Strong experience in managing planning applications and advising clients, including coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with key stakeholders.
Demonstrable experience of land promotion/Local Plan work (or a clear aptitude and interest in developing this specialism).
Commercial awareness with the ability to prepare fee proposals and manage time, budgets and risk.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with confidence presenting to clients and negotiating with LPAs.
Highly organised with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines, maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.
Strong IT skills and an interest in using evolving digital tools and technology to improve service.
Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle which is insured for business use.
Why join us?
Cheffins is a privately owned, independent partnership and offer our clients an outstanding combination of expertise, service and commitment.
Our people are at the heart of our success and are the vital force that animates our business. We strive to create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, healthy and safe work environment that embraces the range of human differences. We want to attract passionate people who respect and appreciate the uniqueness and value that every one of us brings to the business. By striving to build a diverse, inclusive, and empowered team, we broaden our perspectives, drive innovation, and create a vibrant work environment. We take responsibility for looking after our people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing; professional development; equal treatment; and opportunities for growth.
How will we reward you?
What happens next?
This role could be the best move you make; take your time to apply and tell us about who you are, what motivates you, your life experiences and what you would like Cheffins to offer you. Be part of our forward-thinking, innovative team, who are proud of our heritage.
Cheffins are committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment that embraces the uniqueness and value that each person can bring to the business and encourages everyone to be themselves.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Please note that applications submitted without a covering letter and completed application form will not be considered.
Location: Cambridge
Closing date:
Contact name: Sam Harding
Contact email: [email protected]
