Life at Smith Jenkins

At Smith Jenkins, our work shapes the places where people live, learn, and grow - and we believe that starts with our own team. We’re a national planning and heritage consultancy that’s built on collaboration, creativity, and a genuine commitment to quality. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Why Smith Jenkins?

At Smith Jenkins, we believe careers should be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, contribute, and make an impact in a supportive team environment.

Collaborative Culture – Ideas are shared, individuality is celebrated, and success is a collective achievement.

Career Growth – We invest in your development at every stage of your career.

Variety & Impact – With offices in Milton Keynes and London and a varied portfolio of projects, no two days are the same.

Supportive Environment – Everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected.

Excellence & Reputation – Our strong professional standards make us a trusted national consultancy.

Our Benefits at a Glance

We build a culture where people thrive together; supporting one another and delivering great work for our clients. That’s why our benefits are designed to support not only your career, but your wellbeing, your finances, and your life beyond the office.

We’re committed to flexibility, fairness and future thinking; with a range of initiatives available from day one, and even more once you complete your first few months with us. We invest in professional development through structured learning, CPD, and mentorship, while also offering meaningful health and wellbeing support – from allowances to healthcare and counselling services.

We know balance matters, too. Our flexible working policies and generous leave mean you can thrive both inside and outside of work. And because culture is as important as the work we do, we make time to connect – with summer socials, festive celebrations, and volunteering days that bring our team together.

Some of our benefits include:

Health & Wellbeing – Monthly wellbeing allowance, Medicash plan, and virtual GP access
Financial Security – Competitive pay, pension contributions, and annual reviews
Career Growth – CPD sessions, mentoring, and funded professional memberships
Time to Recharge – 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, long-service rewards, and flexible working
Team Spirit – Social events, volunteering, and team activities throughout the year

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What Our Team are Saying:

“Our hard work is acknowledged and celebrated, and we are rewarded for our efforts and commitment to the team. As an employer, Smith Jenkins are flexible and understanding when it comes trying to achieve a work life balance. I’m really proud to have played a part in the growth of the team.”

“We have developed a fantastic team spirit. We have a wealth of experience in the team and we work together to always find a solution to the complex queries and challenges that we face. We are all like-minded and play a part in supporting each other.”

“There is a clear ethos of friendliness and willingness to help that is shared by all staff members, which helps to create a fun and productive working environment. There is a real sense of community across the whole company.”

“The welcoming environment present at Smith Jenkins allows for a space in which any question can be asked. I am excited to step into the office every morning and continue to learn.”

Senior Heritage & Townscape Consultant (London)

Smith Jenkins Planning & Heritage | London | Full-time

Salary: £38,000-£51,000 depending on experience, plus benefits

Closing date: 25th September 2026

Join our Heritage & Townscape team as a Senior Consultant and help shape the future of historic places.

Based in our London Bridge office in the Grade II listed Leather Market Building, with the opportunity to work from our Milton Keynes office, you’ll work across a diverse portfolio – from listed buildings and historic areas to major development proposals, tall buildings and complex urban sites.

This is a role for someone ready to broaden their experience and take greater ownership of projects. You’ll combine strong research and analytical skills with practical judgement, advising clients on how heritage, townscape and visual impact can be successfully integrated into development. You’ll work directly with senior colleagues and clients, developing both your technical expertise and project and client-management skills.

About Smith Jenkins

Smith Jenkins is an established, independent planning and heritage consultancy with offices in London and Milton Keynes. Our Heritage & Townscape team works on projects across the UK, from individual listed buildings and sensitive historic sites to major development proposals and strategic planning projects.

As an independent consultancy, you’ll have genuine involvement in projects and direct access to senior colleagues and clients, with opportunities to develop your own areas of expertise and take increasing responsibility.

We value people who are curious, constructive and willing to contribute to the team, and who take a practical approach to solving problems for our clients.

The opportunity

You’ll work on a varied portfolio, including:

• Heritage and townscape assessments for development proposals;

• Listed buildings, conservation areas and other sensitive historic sites;

• Major development, tall building and EIA projects;

• Planning appeals, expert evidence and development due diligence; and

• Local plan and strategic planning work.

You’ll have the opportunity to take responsibility for projects and client work, while working closely with colleagues across the wider Smith Jenkins team.

A key part of the role is understanding how a place has developed, what makes it significant and how new development can respond to it successfully. We’re looking for someone who enjoys getting into the detail but can also step back and explain the important issues clearly to clients, planners and other members of a project team.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone with around 3–8 years’ relevant post-qualification experience in heritage, conservation, townscape or a related planning environment. We’re more interested in the quality and relevance of your experience than a particular number of years.

You should have:

• Relevant professional experience in heritage, conservation, townscape, planning or a related consultancy environment;

• Strong research, analytical and report-writing skills;

• The ability to understand and explain the significance of historic buildings and places;

• An understanding of the UK planning and heritage framework;

• The ability to manage your workload, prioritise tasks and work to deadlines; and

• A practical, constructive approach to problem solving, with confidence working both independently and as part of a team.

Experience of listed building consent, EIA, appeals, expert witness work or townscape and visual impact assessment would be useful, but we don’t expect one person to have done everything.

IHBC membership is desirable but not essential. Membership of the RTPI, or willingness to work towards professional membership, would also be welcomed.

What we offer

• £38,000-£51,000 salary depending on experience;

• 28 days’ annual leave;

• Hybrid and flexible working;

• Structured CPD and professional development;

• Professional membership fees paid;

• Wellbeing support;

• Access to offices in London and Milton Keynes; and

• A varied portfolio of heritage, townscape and planning projects across the UK, with opportunities to take responsibility for projects and develop client relationships.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected] by 25th September 2026.

If you’d like to discuss the role, please contact our admin team on 01908 410422, who can arrange a call with a member of the team.

We do not accept approaches from recruitment consultants.