Overview
Senior/Associate Planner Jobs in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia at Cogency
Title: Senior/Associate Planner
Company: Cogency
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Full-time
- 5-10 years’ experience required
- Experience in Victorian/NSW and Federal planning and environmental approvals (EES/EIS)
- Melbourne-based or hybrid (Victoria-wide flexibility)
- Competitive salary + professional development support
About Us
At Cogency, we specialise in planning and engagement for renewable energy, clean tech, property, and circular economy projects across Australia. We work with some of the country’s leading energy developers, government agencies, and regional communities – placing collaboration, trust, and tailored engagement at the centre of every project. We are known for our integrity, innovation, and commitment to projects that make a difference to communities and the environment.
At Cogency, we value team members who are client-focused, adaptable, and collaborative – people who build strong relationships, think strategically, communicate with empathy, and take pride in producing high-quality work. We look for professionals who bring integrity, initiative, and sound judgement to every project, and who thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.
The Opportunity
We're looking for a Senior/Associate Planner to join our growing Planning and Environmental Practice. As a Senior/Associate, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of projects. This includes identifying and shaping the right project team, preparing or overseeing compelling proposals, and leading delivery through to completion. You will manage budgets, act as the primary client interface, negotiate scope and variations where needed, and ensure projects are closed out to a high standard.
On larger or more complex projects, you will work closely with a Director or Associate Director, but you will still play a central leadership role in how the work is delivered. Beyond project delivery, you will contribute to the business's growth. This includes marketing and business development activities, building trusted relationships with clients and, over time, developing your own client base. Much of our work comes through reputation and networks, and you will be supported to build both.
The Role
You will:
- Lead projects end-to-end, taking responsibility for scope, programme, budget and outcomes
- Identify and assemble the right project team, drawing on internal and external expertise
- Prepare and oversee high-quality proposals that position Cogency to win the right work
- Act as the primary client contact, building trusted relationships and providing clear, strategic advice
- Manage project finances, including tracking budgets, forecasting and negotiating scope changes where required
- Deliver complex planning work across statutory and strategic contexts with sound judgement and attention to detail
- Contribute to business development by strengthening networks, supporting marketing activities and generating repeat work.
We're Looking For
- Tertiary qualifications in planning, environment, policy or related discipline
- Deep understanding of the Victorian and/or NSW planning system
- Technical expertise in the renewable energy, green property and circular economy sectors
- The ability to analyse, think strategically and develop practical options for clients
- Capacity to manage multiple projects
- Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Project management capabilities, including managing team members and advanced problem-solving
- Leading discussions with stakeholders and consultants
- Flexibility to work across more than one practice area
- The capacity to manage competing work priorities
- Demonstrate leadership and team management abilities
- An interest in growing the business
- Initiative and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Check out our recent LinkedIn post about the role. Applications close 5 pm Friday, 17 April.
Please send your CV and a cover letter to Rebecca Wardle and Adam Terrill via [email protected].
