Job Advert
The well-established Oxford Planning Consultancy team at Bidwells is at the forefront of some of the most significant and transformative projects in the region as well as across the UK. Due to growth and continued success, we’re currently looking for talented Town/Urban Planners across all experience levels (including Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner, Associate Planner to Partner) to join our passionate team.
If you are an experienced, qualified or soon-to-be qualified town planner eager to make a meaningful impact on the future of the places where we live, work, and play, this could be the exciting opportunity for you. We are looking for planners who are not only committed to excellence but are also driven by a desire to make a difference.
As a key member of our team, you’ll play an integral role in the growth and regeneration of Oxford and the surrounding areas. We’re working on some of the most impactful schemes on the market, offering unmatched individual exposure and growth opportunities. You’ll engage in varied projects from high-profile redevelopments, across science and tech, mixed-use, residential, and commercial developments, amongst others.
Our Planning team is amongst the largest in the UK and we’re currently going through a period of exciting growth. The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our department. Our planning team collaborates closely with our development, agency, capital markets, rural, and building teams, providing access to a range of interesting initiatives, projects and developments. 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.
What you'll be doing
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Providing commercial planning advice to a range of clients
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Proactively managing engagement with the local planning authority and other stakeholders
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Compiling robust evidence to support the planning case
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Preparing high-quality planning submissions
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Representing the clients' commercial interests throughout the planning process
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Mentoring junior members of the team
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Developing new business and maintaining current client relationships
About you
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An urban or town planning degree (or equivalent) and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) would be preferable, or working towards this.
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A good up-to-date and working knowledge of town planning, preferably gained in a consultancy environment or in the private sector.
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Sound knowledge of the planning system together with an interest in a wide range of planning issues.
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Commercially aware with a focus on the bottom line.
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Good interpersonal communication skills.
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Good relationship management skills.
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Ability to manage and prioritise projects on a day-to-day basis.
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Ability to attract new instructions and clients.
Why Bidwells?
We’re a different kind of business. 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. 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.
What’s in it for you
Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with a competitive salary and group 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.
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.
Recruitment agencies: Bidwells only pay agency fees where we have a signed agreement in place and that agency has been contacted and directed by a member of our Talent Acquisition Team to work on a specific vacancy. We do not pay agency fees when speculative and unsolicited CVs are submitted to Bidwells or any of our employees other than via our Applicant Tracking System and through our recruitment process. If this is not adhered to, agency fees will not be paid. Submission of any unsolicited CVs or proposals to Bidwells will be deemed evidence of full and unlimited acceptance of this approach.
