Senior Urban Designer

Senior Urban Designer
Location: London (Hybrid working options available)

Cobalt Recruitment is proud to be working with a progressive and collaborative planning and design consultancy that has earned a strong reputation for delivering sustainable, people-focused places. They are now seeking a talented and motivated Senior Urban Designer to join their London-based team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile masterplanning projects across the UK and play a leading role in shaping new communities.

The Role

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary strategic planning and urban design team delivering masterplans, vision documents, and design codes across a range of sectors including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. You'll collaborate closely with planners, architects, landscape architects, and developers to provide innovative design-led solutions from early concept through to planning submission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to the preparation of site appraisals, vision documents, development frameworks, and illustrative masterplans.

• Prepare Design and Access Statements, design codes, parameter plans, and related reports for planning applications.

• Support local plan representations and site promotion work with high-quality graphics and written content.

• Mentor junior team members and provide design guidance across multiple projects.

• Collaborate effectively with internal and external project teams, including clients and stakeholders.

• Support business development through tender submissions and promotional materials.

• Attend client meetings, design reviews, and site visits as required.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a postgraduate qualification in Urban Design, with an undergraduate degree in planning, architecture, or landscape architecture (preferred)

• Has a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in urban design, ideally within a consultancy environment.

• Demonstrates excellent understanding of the NPPF, National Design Guide, and the Local Plan process.

• Possesses outstanding visual, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Is proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), AutoCAD, and SketchUp Pro.

• Is a proactive team player with the ability to manage projects and deadlines effectively.

• Has a strong portfolio showcasing work across visioning, masterplanning, and planning support.

• GIS, MicroStation, Vectorworks, or hand-drawing skills are desirable but not essential.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus scheme.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase more.

• 9% employer pension contribution, regardless of employee input.

• Wellbeing package, including a Health Cash Plan.

• Enhanced parental leave policies.

• Ongoing support for professional development and career progression within a collaborative environment.

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step in your career as a Senior Urban Designer and want to help shape a design-led, forward-thinking team, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to ssidar@cobaltrecruitment.com.

If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, please let us know.