Planner / Senior Planner

• Full-time
• 3-5 years’ experience in Victorian and/or NSW planning
• Renewable energy or infrastructure project experience (desirable)
• Melbourne-based or hybrid (Victoria-wide flexibility)
• Competitive salary + professional development support

Company Description

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.

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 Planner to join our growing Planning and Environmental Practice. This is not a graduate role with training wheels. As a Planner, you will step into a position where you are trusted to deliver work with real ownership. You will move beyond supporting tasks and into shaping advice, drawing conclusions, and contributing to project direction.

You will work across a mix of projects, helping guide planning and approvals pathways while balancing technical rigour with practical delivery. Your work will directly inform project outcomes, client decisions, and community impacts.

This role is suited to someone ready to build on solid foundations and take the next step. You will have the space to work autonomously, while still being supported by senior colleagues when needed.

Your Role

• Assist with the planning and environmental approvals for projects at Local, State and Federal levels
• Review and assess proposals against State and Local planning policies and planning schemes
• Research planning policy, controls and associated strategies and plans
• Develop site reviews, maps, plans and concept drawings
• Identify site opportunities and constraints
• Assess proposals against State and Local planning policies and planning schemes
• Project manage and review reports from a range of technical consultants
• Compile and lodge planning applications
• Coordinate community engagement activities, with minimal supervision
• Formulate community engagement strategies and action plans
• Ability to identify engagement risks and recommend mitigation tactics
• Facilitate meetings and liaise regularly with clients, consultants and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Tertiary qualifications in planning, environment or a related field
• Strong understanding of statutory planning frameworks and processes
• Experience preparing and lodging planning applications, amendments or strategic plans
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information and policy documents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise effectively
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality outputs
• Emerging understanding of federal, state and local planning policy environments
• Interest in sustainability, community engagement and planning outcomes
• Confidence engaging with clients and stakeholders in a professional setting
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team
• Problem-solving mindset with a practical, solutions-focused approach
• Willingness to take ownership of work and contribute to project delivery
• Strong interest or experience in community & stakeholder engagement
• GIS mapping and/or graphic design skills (desirable)

What you’ll love about working with Cogency

• Purpose-driven work with a team driven by values and impact
• A fresh, flexible, and inclusive work culture
• Performance-based bonuses and access to a profit share scheme
• Regular social events
• A vibrant central CBD office, and option for a hybrid working model
• Exposure to innovative and diverse projects that make a real-world impact
• Opportunities to lead projects and shape strategy
• Strong professional development framework, mentoring, and access to paid industry training and events
• An ability to work with industry leaders
• Recognition and support for your career goals
• A workplace where innovation, autonomy, and collaboration are genuinely valued.

Cogency is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those with disability or lived experience of the energy transition.

Cogency is committed to ensuring that all our employees are treated with dignity, kindness and respect regardless of their cultural background, gender identity, ability, religion, ethnicity, intersex status or sexual orientation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Please send your CV and a cover letter (PDF preferred) addressed to Rebecca Wardle and Adam Terrill via:***email_hidden***