Head of Planning & Development
A leading organisation in the renewable energy sector is seeking a Head of Planning & Development to lead the strategy, management, and delivery of planning and consenting activities across a diverse energy portfolio—including onshore/offshore wind, solar, battery storage, and green hydrogen.
This is a senior leadership role guiding multidisciplinary teams through planning, environmental assessment, stakeholder engagement, and statutory approvals across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
* Define and lead the planning and consenting strategy to support project delivery.
* Provide expert planning advice to executive leadership and boards.
* Shape governance processes for site selection, project progression, and risk-based decision-making.
* Represent the organisation in regulatory, policy, and industry discussions.
* Engage with planning bodies, regulators, and stakeholders to support policy development.
Planning & Delivery
* Oversee planning applications and statutory consenting for multiple development-stage projects.
* Own project timelines and align planning with commercial and investment goals.
* Manage planning risks and resolve complex issues across the project lifecycle.
Project Management
* Lead delivery of infrastructure projects with varying complexity and scale.
* Oversee procurement and contract management related to planning and environmental services.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as a senior representative in consultations and community engagement.
* Maintain strong working relationships with public bodies, partners, and NGOs.
* Lead communications with joint venture partners and external stakeholders.
Team Leadership
* Lead and develop a high-performing planning and environmental team.
* Manage external consultants and ensure delivery to high professional standards.
* Foster a culture of performance, collaboration, and accountability.
Health & Safety / Performance
* Support and comply with all health, safety, and welfare procedures.
* Participate in performance management processes.
Qualifications
* Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, or similar.
Experience
* 10+ years in renewable energy development.
* Strong background in planning, EIA, and complex infrastructure projects.
* Experience with large-scale applications and multi-stakeholder environments.
* Knowledge of Irish/EU planning laws and environmental regulations.
* Familiarity with energy technologies, grid systems, and EIAR development.
* Strong project, programme, and stakeholder management skills.
* Proven leadership and negotiation abilities.
* Professional memberships (e.g., IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are a plus.
For a full job spec please conact Shirley Kiernan on 086 783 1786.
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