Partner - Planning

Lead, Innovate, and Shape the Future of Cambridge

Bidwells is looking for an exceptional Planning Partner to take on a leadership role within our Cambridge Planning Team. This newly created position gives an exciting opportunity to work on large-scale and high-impact planning projects, integral to the government's ambitious growth agenda for Cambridge. We partner with high-profile clients who prioritise ESG values and have an invested interest in shaping the future regeneration and development of the region. We’re looking for an experienced professional who will join our planning leadership team, contributing towards departmental strategy and wider planning operations. Due to Bidwell's own growth strategy, we’re looking for a business-minded leader who thrives on building relationships, expanding their network, and creating new business opportunities.

At Bidwells, collaboration is at our core. This role offers the chance to work closely with experts across a range of departments including development, project management, and commercial property, contributing to multidisciplinary projects that shape the built environment. As a business, we know our people are our most important asset so having a leader who champions an environment that’s collaborative, open, communicative, and enjoyable place to work is essential.

This is a rare opportunity within our Planning team, as we seldom recruit at this senior level. If you're seeking a leadership role in a business that drives strategic, large-scale, and high-impact projects, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy – Shape the team’s direction, contribute to business growth, and drive operational excellence.
• Client Management – Build and maintain relationships with developers, landowners, and public sector clients, delivering expert planning and development services.
• Business Development – Identify opportunities, foster a strong professional network, and drive new business for Bidwells.
• Project Delivery – Oversee large complex planning projects, ensuring client expectations are met efficiently and effectively.
• Collaboration – Work closely with other departments, leveraging Bidwells' multidisciplinary expertise.
• Team Leadership – Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation and open communication.

About you

• MRTPI Qualified
• Experienced specialist in planning and dealing with professional planning issues
• Strong intellect
• Excellent team player
• Creative and innovative
• Consultative and collaborative
• Ability to create and lead an energetic, engaged, innovative team

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.

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.