Senior Town Planner
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BDP is seeking a talented and motivated Town Planner to join our busy Urbanism Studio in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified planner with around four years' experience to contribute to a broad range of high-profile and meaningful projects, both in the UK and internationally.
About the role
You will work as part of our established planning team on a variety of schemes, including the preparation of masterplans, planning applications, environmental impact assessments (EIA) and the provision of strategic planning advice. Our clients span both the public and private sectors, and our projects range in scale from local developments to nationally significant infrastructure and heritage sites.
About us
BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that's built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.
We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan's Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.
Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world. Whether we're designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.
We're proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world-one that leaves every place better than we found it.
About you
We are looking for a proactive and technically capable planner who demonstrates:
• Up to four years' relevant experience in a planning role
• RTPI Chartered status (or working towards chartership)
• Strong technical planning knowledge and understanding of the UK planning system
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience engaging with clients, local planning authorities, stakeholders, and community groups
• Confidence working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• An interest in design, heritage and social value is desirable
• Experience in the preparation of masterplans, strategic planning or urban design
• You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, contributing ideas and solutions that help shape sustainable, inclusive places.
Key Responsibilities
• Preparing and submitting planning applications and supporting documents
• Contributing to the preparation of masterplans and planning strategies
• Supporting the preparation of EIAs and other statutory submissions
• Advising clients on planning policy, site potential and risk
• Engaging with local planning authority case officers and other stakeholders
• Participating in community consultation and engagement processes
• Coordinating with colleagues across disciplines and with external consultants
BDP offers
In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform.
We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more.
We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation.
To find out on more detail about what BDP can offer you, please visit: https://www.bdp.com/en/careers-at-bdp/why-join-bdp/.
To apply
Please email Londoncareers@bdp.com attaching a CV and cover letter (<400 words) that outlines how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of this position.
BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy which is usually three days in the office and two days working from home.
No agency or third-party applications please.