Overview:

This senior role will lead planning and consenting across a renewable energy portfolio, including wind (onshore/offshore), solar, battery storage, and green hydrogen. The position oversees strategy, stakeholder engagement, environmental assessment, and statutory processes across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the planning and consenting strategy across all development projects.

• Advise senior management on planning, regulatory, and environmental matters.

• Shape governance for site selection and project progression.

• Represent the organisation in policy discussions, inquiries, and industry forums.

• Engage with regulators and stakeholders to influence the planning environment.

• Implement development processes and risk mitigation strategies.

Planning & Consenting

• Manage planning applications and consents for multiple projects.

• Own consenting strategies and timelines aligned with commercial goals.

• Identify and resolve planning risks in collaboration with legal and executive teams.

Project Management

• Deliver multiple infrastructure projects with varied scope and complexity.

• Manage procurement and contracts for planning and environmental services.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead engagement with partners, authorities, and communities.

• Build relationships with planning bodies, government departments, and NGOs.

• Represent the organisation at national forums and industry groups.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing planning and environmental team.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and quality.

• Manage external consultants and advisors.

Health & Safety / Performance

• Comply with all health and safety policies.

• Actively contribute to performance reviews and team objectives.

Candidate Profile:

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.

Skills

• 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.

Attributes

• Solutions-focused, organised, and self-motivated.

• High attention to detail and quality.
• Professional memberships (e.g., IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are a plus.

For a full job spec please conact Shirley Kiernan onn 086 783 1786.