Head of Planning & Development
Location: Newbridge
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Planning & Development to lead the end-to-end planning strategy and consenting activities for a diverse portfolio of renewable energy projects – including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and green hydrogen infrastructure.
This is a senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to guide a high-performing team through the full development cycle – from planning and environmental assessment through to stakeholder engagement and statutory consenting across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
* Define and drive the organisation’s planning and consenting strategy to enable delivery of the development and investment pipeline.
* Serve as the senior leader on planning, consenting, and environmental matters, engaging with executive teams, investment committees, and boards.
* Provide authoritative advice to senior management and shape governance processes for site selection, project progression, and investment approval.
* Actively engage with regulators, policy makers, and industry bodies to influence the future planning environment for renewables.
* Represent the company at industry forums, public inquiries, and regulatory hearings.
Planning & Consenting Delivery
* Oversee the submission and management of planning applications and consents across a large, diverse renewable energy portfolio.
* Own the consenting strategy and timelines for each project, ensuring alignment with commercial and investment milestones.
* Monitor and mitigate planning risks throughout the development lifecycle.
Programme & Project Management
* Lead the planning and delivery of multiple concurrent, large-scale infrastructure projects.
* Manage procurement processes and contracts related to planning and environmental services.
Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement
* Act as a senior representative in external stakeholder consultations and public engagement initiatives.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with statutory authorities, local government, community groups, and industry bodies.
* Lead engagement with joint venture partners and oversee contractual commitments.
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, mentor, and grow a team of planning and environmental professionals.
* Foster a culture of accountability, knowledge sharing, and professional excellence.
* Manage external consultant and advisor frameworks.
Candidate Profile
Education
* Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience
* 10+ years’ experience in renewable energy project development.
* Proven track record in planning, consenting, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
* Strong experience delivering renewable projects in Ireland.
* Background in large-scale planning applications and complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
* Expert knowledge of Irish and EU planning legislation and environmental regulation.
* Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, grid infrastructure, and energy markets.
* Experience developing EIARs and related documentation to a high professional standard.
Leadership & Engagement
* Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
* Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence at senior levels.
* Comfortable operating in dynamic, politically sensitive environments.
Personal Attributes
* Innovative and solutions-oriented approach.
* Highly organised, self-motivated, and detail-driven.
* Committed to producing high-quality outputs.
* Professional qualifications (e.g. IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are an advantage but not essential.
To hear more about this position or to discuss your suitability to please reach out to Nisha for a confidential chat on 01 632 5046 or email your CV to nisha.rutherford@recruiters.ie Your CV will not be sent to any third party without your consent.
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