Key Takeaways
- Support the preparation of planning applications, policy documents, and spatial strategies.
- Undertake research, data analysis, and report writing using digital and AI tools.
- Requires an undergraduate or bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
- Advert closes on 12 November 2026, with a start date of 1 September 2027.
- Based in Cardiff or Bristol, with no visa sponsorship offered.
About the Role
Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines, guiding, planning, and designing the future of the built environment. We recruit hundreds of graduates and students annually to help solve complex challenges.
The Opportunity
Arup's Town Planning team, with 150 planners across 17 UK offices, handles high-profile and complex projects, offering end-to-end planning and policy advice. Our work includes planning policy, spatial strategy, regeneration, major infrastructure planning, development management, and research, contributing to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive places. We collaborate with engineers, environmental specialists, urban designers, and economists on projects addressing housing delivery, climate change, and infrastructure provision.
This role is based in either our Cardiff or Bristol offices, working within a national network. You will contribute to significant projects shaping the region's future, including infrastructure planning for sustainable growth, new grid connections, and reservoirs. Policy work involves supporting Spatial Development Strategies for Combined Authorities and developing regeneration visions.
What You'll Do
- Support the preparation of planning applications, planning policy documents, spatial strategies, and evidence-based studies for public and private sector clients.
- Conduct research, data analysis, and report writing for planning, development, regeneration, and major infrastructure projects, utilizing digital tools, GIS, and AI-assisted techniques.
- Contribute to environmental, socio-economic, and other impact assessments for planning and consent processes.
- Assist with stakeholder and community engagement, including workshops, consultations, and meetings.
- Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams (planners, engineers, urban designers, environmental specialists, economists) to deliver sustainable and inclusive places.
- Help implement digital and AI tools for spatial data, dashboards, visualization, and automating routine analysis to improve efficiency and evidence quality.
Is This Role Right for You?
Qualifications and Skills:
- An undergraduate or bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography & Geospatial Science, Urban Design). RTPI-accredited degrees are preferred.
- Support will be provided for your RTPI Assessment of Professional Competence.
- Desirable technical skills: Experience with GIS, mapping, or spatial analysis software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS); proficiency in data handling and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI); practical interest in applying AI and automation to planning tasks.
Application Criteria:
- Full working rights in the UK.
- No more than 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role.
- Must have recently graduated or be on track to graduate from your most recent degree before employment starts.
Core Attributes:
- Changemakers: Passion for sustainable development and creating a better world.
- Innovative minds: Critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
- Growth seekers: A growth mindset, eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
- Adaptable adventurers: Ready to take on challenges.
Key Dates:
- Start Date: 1 September 2027
- Advert Closing Date: 12 November 2026
Early application is recommended as the role may close early due to high applicant volume.
Eligibility
- Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role. You must have permanent UK work rights.
What We Offer
- A competitive, fair, and equitable total reward package.
- A career where you can belong, grow, and thrive.
- Benefits supporting health and wellbeing.
- A wide range of learning opportunities.
- Opportunities to make an impact.
- Profit Share scheme.
- Flexible working approach.
- Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance, and Income protection cover.
- Access to flexible benefits for wellbeing.
Next Steps
- The application process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview, and offer stage.
- Applications are reviewed as received; apply early.
- The Early Careers team is available for support throughout the process.