Planner

Cognisant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A design-led development firm in Greater London is seeking a Planner to join their sustainable residential projects. The role offers full lifecycle exposure from site identification to delivery, providing direct access to decision-makers and opportunities for career progression. Ideal for an ambitious individual with 2+ years of residential planning experience, this position allows you to work closely with a small team, contributing to innovative, low-carbon housing solutions. Strong ambition and teamwork are essential for success in this growing business.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience within residential planning.
• Background in local authority, consultancy or developer environment.
• Ambitious, commercially aware and keen to develop.

Responsibilities

• Support site appraisals and planning strategy.
• Assist with residential planning applications.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Residential planning experience

Planning strategy

Liaising with local authorities

Sustainability knowledge

Team collaboration

Job description

I’m working exclusively with a design-led, sustainability-focused residential developer to appoint a Planner to the business.

This is an opportunity within cash rich, scaling business where you will gain full development exposure, increased responsibility and a clear progression pathway as the platform expands.

The business is delivering low‑carbon, design‑led housing schemes across London and the Home Counties and is entering a significant period of growth. Based from their Hampstead office, this appointment will sit within a small, high‑performing team where contribution is visible and progression is merit‑led.

The Role

As part of the development function, you will support planning activity across live and future residential schemes. This position offers genuine cradle‑to‑grave exposure — from site identification and feasibility through to application, determination and delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting site appraisals, planning strategy and early‑stage feasibility work.
• Assisting with the preparation, coordination and submission of residential planning applications.
• Liaising with local authorities, consultants and external stakeholders.
• Monitoring local plan policy, land opportunities and planning risk.
• Supporting appeals, condition discharge and ongoing planning compliance.
• Contributing to sustainability‑led planning narratives and environmental positioning.
• Working closely with Land, Technical and Construction teams to ensure alignment throughout delivery.

What They’re Looking For

• 2+ years’ experience within residential planning
• Background within local authority, consultancy or developer environment.
• Ambitious, commercially aware and keen to develop within a growing business.
• Comfortable operating within a small team environment with high visibility and responsibility.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Planner or Graduate Planner looking to step into a role with:

• Full lifecycle exposure rather than a narrow application‑focused remit.
• Direct access to senior decision‑makers.
• Clear and accelerated career progression as the business scales.
• A sustainability‑first development model embedded at the core of the company.