Senior Planning Manager

Job Description

Can you play a key role in delivering a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects?

Location: Dublin or London (Periodic travel in Ireland and the UK will be required.)

Contract Type: 12-month fixed-term

We are looking for a Senior Planning Manager to lead and manage planning-related activities for large-scale Solar PV, BESS, and co-located projects across the UK and Ireland. The role is responsible for overseeing the full project lifecycle, from early-stage feasibility and permitting through to construction and transition into operations, ensuring projects are progressed efficiently and in line with planning requirements.

What you will do: Planning Strategy & Application Review

• Review and work with consultants to prepare planning applications prior to submission
• Work closely with the Development team to identify risks, address gaps, and anticipate potential planning challenges across the project life cycle

Planning Conditions Management

• Lead the management of pre- and post-commencement planning conditions, including the discharge of conditions, preservation of existing consents, and coordination of amendment applications where required
• Provide ongoing advice on planning matters as they arise

Planning Process Leadership

• Guide internal teams and external consultants through complex planning processes, including appeals and public consultations
• Develop and execute planning strategies that maximise the likelihood of securing consent while minimising programme and delivery risk

Stakeholder & Authority Engagement

• Liaise with design teams, County Councils, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP), relevant state bodies, and key stakeholders
• Ensure timely progression of projects and alignment with regulatory expectations

Representation & Advocacy

• Represent Elgin at planning committees, appeals, hearings, and public inquiries, as required
• Effectively communicate project value and planning rationale

Consultant Management

• Manage relationships with external planning consultants, acting as the primary point of contact
• Ensure clear alignment on project objectives, timelines, commercial priorities, and delivery expectations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Development, Legal, Grid, Engineering, Construction, and Operations teams, as well as external advisors
• Ensure coordinated and high-quality planning submissions across all disciplines

Compliance & Best Practice

• Ensure full compliance with planning legislation, environmental regulations, and industry best practices across all projects

Your profile

What you will need:

• A postgraduate qualification in Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in planning processes within Ireland and the UK.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Commercially aware, with a structured and process-driven mindset.
• Proven ability to manage and influence multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing capabilities, with the ability to engage across disciplines.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines.
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and drive outcomes.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel and MS Project.
• Strong focus on prioritisation, deadline management, communication, and organisational excellence.