SUMMARY
The Land Manager – Wind Energy will be responsible for leading the identification, negotiation, aggregation, and securing of land for a large-scale renewable energy project in the west of Ireland, including solar PV, onshore wind, BESS, and associated grid infrastructure.
This role will drive site origination strategy, landowner engagement, option and lease negotiations, and planning support in line with Irish regulatory and planning frameworks. The position requires strong knowledge of Irish land law, planning legislation, grid processes, and agricultural leasing structures.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in building and securing the company's Irish project pipeline.
This is a leadership role for an individual who takes full ownership, thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and is unwavering in their commitment to excellence. The ideal candidate will bring energy, curiosity, and a proactive, hands-on approach — transforming planning into a strategic engine of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability while delivering maximum commercial value and advancing the company's mission to accelerate the global transition to clean energy.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
1. Land Strategy & Site Origination
Develop and implement a company land acquisition strategy aligned with project pipeline targets.
Identify suitable land parcels for renewable development using GIS, grid capacity data, and zoning analysis.
Assess grid proximity (ESB Networks & EirGrid connection points).
Evaluate land suitability including topography, environmental constraints, and access.
2. Landowner Engagement & Negotiation
Identify and approach landowners, farming groups, and estates.
Negotiate option agreements, lease agreements, easements, and wayleaves.
Structure long-term lease agreements suitable for renewable energy developments.
Secure land aggregation where multi-landowner sites are required.
Maintain strong, trust-based relationships with landowners.
3. Planning & Regulatory Coordination
Work closely with planning consultants on applications under:
Planning and Development Act 2000
County Development Plans
Local Area Plans
Support planning submissions to An Bord Pleanála where applicable.
Coordinate environmental studies including EIA, Appropriate Assessment (AA), and ecological constraints.
Ensure compliance with Irish agricultural and rural land regulations.
4. Legal & Due Diligence
Oversee land due diligence including:
Title searches (Land Registry & Registry of Deeds)
Wayleave reviews
Burden analysis
Liaise with Irish property solicitors to finalise agreements.
Ensure agreements are bankable and finance-ready.
5. Grid & Infrastructure Alignment
Coordinate land strategy with grid application strategy via:
EirGrid
ESB Networks
Secure land required for substations, access roads, and cable routes.
Negotiate cable easements and rights of way.
6. Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Engage with local communities and farming bodies.
Attend agricultural and rural forums.
Represent the company in land-related stakeholder meetings.
Support community benefit structuring in collaboration with development team.
7. Reporting & Pipeline Management
Maintain structured land pipeline tracking.
Report on secured MW capacity, land costs, and risk exposure.
Provide regular board-level reporting on Irish land portfolio.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
Experience:
Minimum 5-7 years' experience in land acquisition in Ireland.
Proven track record in renewable energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development.
Strong experience negotiating agricultural land leases.
Experience working within Irish planning framework
Skills & Competencies:
Strong commercial negotiation ability.
Deep understanding of Irish rural land market.
Knowledge of grid connection processes.
Ability to aggregate complex land packages.
Excellent stakeholder management skills.
Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset.
Strong reporting and strategic planning capability.
Other:
Full clean Irish driving licence.
Significant travel across Ireland required.
Hybrid working model (office + field-based).