Excel Recruitment is delighted to partner with a leading energy infrastructure organisation to recruit a high-calibre Head of Planning & Development (Hybrid) for their team in Kildare. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on high-profile renewable projects while benefiting from a competitive salary and strong career progression opportunities.
Responsibilities for Head of Planning & Development (Hybrid)
1. Lead the planning and consenting strategy across a diverse renewable energy portfolio, including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and green hydrogen.
2. Act as the company's senior authority on all planning and environmental matters, advising the Executive Team, Investment Committee, and Board on planning risk and regulatory alignment.
3. Oversee the delivery of planning applications and statutory consents across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring projects remain aligned with commercial and investment targets.
4. Engage directly with key stakeholders-including An Bord Pleanála, MARA, DECC, and local authorities-to shape the planning environment and influence national policy.
5. Manage complex infrastructure planning processes from initial site assessment to final consent, including environmental assessment, design for planning, and consultation management.
6. Own and implement the Project Development Process, including the internal Stage Gate framework and planning-related investment governance.
7. Lead public engagement, regulatory consultation, and stakeholder management strategies, ensuring the company's voice is well represented in policy forums and community dialogue.
8. Oversee procurement and management of planning consultants, legal advisors, and environmental specialists to support project delivery.
9. Mentor and develop a high-performing internal team, fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture focused on quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
Requirements for Head of Planning & Development (Hybrid)
10. Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
11. Minimum of 10 years' experience in renewable energy development, with a strong background in Irish planning legislation and environmental regulation.
12. Proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
13. Expertise in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder project environments and regulatory frameworks.
14. Demonstrated leadership experience, with strong strategic planning and programme management capabilities.
15. Skilled communicator and negotiator, comfortable representing the organisation in politically sensitive forums and high-level engagements.
16. Adept at managing multiple concurrent projects with varying complexity and risk profiles.
17. Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the renewable energy market in Ireland and the EU.
18. Additional professional memberships (IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are a plus.
Benefits for Head of Planning & Development (Hybrid)
19. Highly competitive salary
20. Lucrative benefits package inc bonus, pension and healthcare
21. Significant career opportunity in a senior leadership role within a growing renewable energy business
22. Exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure projects with real national impact
23. Opportunities for influence at policy level and engagement across major industry forums
24. Flexible working arrangements and a values-driven organisational culture
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, apply below or email to arrange a confidential chat. I'm always happy to advise on roles in the construction market.