Graduate Town Planner

See it differently

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates and students who help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

The Opportunity

With 150 town planners across 17 UK offices, Arup's Town Planning team works on some of the UK's most high-profile and complex projects, providing end-to-end planning and policy advice to public authorities, infrastructure providers, developers, property companies and landowners.

Our work spans planning policy, spatial strategy, regeneration, major infrastructure planning, development management and research, helping to deliver more sustainable, resilient and inclusive places. As part of a multidisciplinary firm, we work closely with engineers, environmental specialists, urban designers and economists to tackle challenges such as housing delivery, climate change and infrastructure provision.

Recent projects include the award-winning redevelopment of Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone Integrated Assessment, the Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent Order and our Cities Alive research exploring the future of cities around the world.

As a town planning graduate, you can expect to gain experience across a wide range of sectors and disciplines, including but not limited to the following:

• Support the preparation of planning applications, planning policy documents, spatial strategies and evidence-based studies for public and private sector clients.
• Undertake research, analysis and report writing to inform planning, development, regeneration and major infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to environmental, socio-economic and other impact assessments that support planning and consent processes.
• Assist with stakeholder and community engagement activities, including workshops, consultations and meetings.
• Work collaboratively with planners, engineers, urban designers, environmental specialists, economists and other experts to deliver sustainable and inclusive places

Is this role right for you?

For this opportunity, we are seeking the following qualifications, skills and attributes:

An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in Urban Planning, Geography & Geospatial Science, or Urban Design. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Strong research, analytical and written communication skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Strong research, analytical and written communication skills. The ability to interpret and synthesise information from a range of sources and experience using GIS, mapping or spatial analysis software (e.g. ArcGIS) is desirable but not essential.

To be considered for a graduate opportunity, your application must include a copy of your academic transcript and meet the following criteria:  

• Full working rights in the country of application
• No more than 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role
• Recently graduated, or on track to graduate, from your most recent degree, related to your role of choice, before employment starts.

Alongside your qualifications and experience, we look for the following core attributes:

• Changemakers: You care about sustainable development and want to see your work make a genuine difference.
• Innovative minds: You think critically, ask hard questions, and are genuinely open to new approaches.  
• Growth seekers: You are curious, actively seek feedback, and look for ways to keep developing.
• Adaptable adventurers: You are comfortable with uncertainty and adapt readily as projects and priorities evolve.

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Eligibility

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our graduates.

We also provide for our permanent members Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Next Steps

We've designed our application process to be straightforward and supportive, giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and potential. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview and offer stage. Our friendly Early Careers team is available throughout the process to answer questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.

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