Senior Planning Manager

About this role

Core behavioural responsibilities for all employees

Agility We Lead with Agility
Integrity We Act with Integrity
Excellence We Empower Excellence
CareWe Value Care

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

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.