Senior Urban Designer
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
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.
