What to expect
UKREiiF has quickly become one of the most important events in the UK property, development, and planning calendar. But if you’re attending in person in Leeds—or watching from the outside—you might be wondering:
Where are the town planning jobs?
Unlike a traditional jobs fair, you won’t find rows of job boards or “apply here” stands. But make no mistake—UKREiiF is one of the most active environments for town planning jobs in the UK.
Here’s how.
Planning Jobs Are Represented Through Employers
The biggest clue lies in who attends.
UKREiiF brings together:
- Planning consultancies
- Local authorities
- Housebuilders and developers
- Infrastructure and regeneration organisations
These are the organisations that hire the majority of planners in the UK.
They’re not there to advertise roles—they’re there to win work, launch projects, and build partnerships. But behind all of that is one thing:
Demand for planners
As pipelines grow, so does the need for talent.
Local Authorities Are Signalling Hiring Demand
Councils play a huge role at UKREiiF, showcasing:
- Regeneration opportunities
- Housing delivery strategies
- Strategic growth plans
But beneath the surface, there’s a clear message:
“We need planners to deliver this.”
This is especially true across:
- Development Management
- Planning Policy
- Planning Enforcement
With many local authorities under-resourced, UKREiiF becomes a platform to:
- Attract talent
- Build partnerships
- Explore external support
Planning Consultancies Are Competing for Talent
Consultancies attend UKREiiF to win new business—but growth creates pressure.
More projects = more planners needed.
While you won’t see hiring banners, there’s a constant undercurrent of:
- Informal recruitment conversations
- Talent spotting
- Senior-level networking
Some of the most important hiring discussions happen quietly, over coffee or at evening events.
Developers and Housebuilders Are Driving Demand
Developers and housebuilders are central to UKREiiF—and they are actively:
- Bringing forward sites
- Expanding delivery pipelines
This directly increases demand for planners:
- In-house teams
- External consultancy support
Particularly across:
- Residential planning
- Strategic land
- Major developments
The Skills Shortage Is a Major Theme
Across panels and discussions, one issue keeps coming up:
The UK needs more planners
From delayed applications to stretched local authority teams, the message is clear:
- Skills shortages are real
- Demand is growing
- Opportunities are increasing
For planning professionals, that translates into:
- Strong job security
- Increased mobility
- Competitive salaries
Where the Real Job Opportunities Happen
At UKREiiF, the most valuable moments aren’t on stage—they’re in the margins.
Networking events
Fringe events, drinks, and dinners are where real conversations happen:
“We’re hiring—do you know anyone?”
One-to-one meetings
Pre-arranged meetings often lead to:
- New projects
- New instructions
- New hiring needs
Social media activity
During the event, LinkedIn is full of:
- Company growth updates
- Hiring signals
- Industry conversations
What This Means for the Planning Industry
UKREiiF isn’t a jobs board—but it is:
👉 A live marketplace of future town planning jobs
Every deal, partnership, and project discussed at the event has one thing in common:
It will require planners to deliver it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in town planning, UKREiiF represents more than just an industry event.
It’s where:
- Projects are launched
- Investment decisions are made
- And future hiring demand is created
The jobs might not be advertised on the day—but they are being shaped in real time.