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 & Leadership
* Define 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 Delivery
* Lead 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 Management
* Oversee 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 Engagement
* Represent 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 Development
* Lead 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 Responsibilities
* Promote 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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