Overview:A leading organization in the renewable energy sector is seeking a Head of Planning & Development to lead the planning strategy and consenting activities for its diverse energy portfolio. This includes onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and green hydrogen infrastructure. This is a key leadership role overseeing a multidisciplinary team, with responsibility for guiding projects through development-stage planning, environmental assessment, stakeholder engagement, and statutory consenting across multiple jurisdictions.Key Responsibilities:Strategy & LeadershipDefine and implement the organization’s planning and consenting strategy in support of its development and investment pipeline.Act as the senior leader on all planning, consenting, and environmental matters, reporting to executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.Provide strategic advice on planning issues and regulatory developments.Develop internal governance processes related to project planning, risk, and investment approvals.Engage with regulatory bodies, policy makers, and industry forums to help shape the planning environment for renewable projects.Establish and manage project development and investment decision frameworks.Identify and mitigate critical path risks throughout the planning lifecycle.Planning & Consenting DeliveryLead the delivery of planning applications and statutory consents across a portfolio of energy projects.Own and manage consenting strategies and timelines, ensuring they align with commercial milestones.Monitor planning-related risks and work collaboratively with internal and external advisors to resolve issues.Programme & Project ManagementOversee multiple concurrent development projects with varying complexity, scale, and risk.Apply expertise in infrastructure project delivery, particularly in areas such as environmental assessment, design for planning, and relevant legislative frameworks.Manage procurement and contracts for planning and environmental services.Stakeholder & Regulatory EngagementRepresent the organization in external consultations and public engagements.Lead interactions with joint venture partners and manage contractual agreements (e.g., SLAs).Build and maintain relationships with statutory authorities, government departments, communities, and NGOs.Participate in industry working groups, forums, and regulatory discussions to influence policy and planning direction.Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead and mentor a high-performing planning and environmental team.Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional development.Manage relationships with external advisors, including legal, environmental, and technical consultants.General ResponsibilitiesPromote a strong health, safety, and welfare culture across all operations.Actively participate in the organization’s performance management process to ensure personal and team success.Candidate Profile:Education:Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, or a related discipline.Experience:Minimum of 10 years’ experience in renewable energy project development.Extensive background in planning and consenting, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and infrastructure delivery.Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale planning applications and navigating complex stakeholder environments.Strong track record working within the Irish renewable energy sector.Technical Knowledge:In-depth knowledge of Irish and EU planning legislation, environmental regulations, and licensing processes.Familiarity with renewable technologies (wind, solar, battery storage, hydrogen), energy markets, and grid infrastructure.Competent in preparing and reviewing Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) and related planning documentation.Project Management:Proven ability to oversee multiple development projects simultaneously, each with distinct priorities and risks.Strong skills in programme management, strategic execution, and delivery-focused leadership.Leadership & Communication:Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and engaging with senior stakeholders.Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills.Experience navigating politically sensitive and rapidly evolving environments.Personal Attributes:Solutions-oriented and proactive with a strategic mindset.Highly organized, self-driven, and quality-focused.Additional qualifications (e.g., IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are an advantage but not essential.
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