Head of Planning and Development (Hybrid)

• Lead the planning and consenting strategy across a diverse renewable energy portfolio, including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and green hydrogen.
• 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.
• Oversee the delivery of planning applications and statutory consents across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring projects remain aligned with commercial and investment targets.
• Engage directly with key stakeholders-including An Bord Pleanála, MARA, DECC, and local authorities-to shape the planning environment and influence national policy.
• Manage complex infrastructure planning processes from initial site assessment to final consent, including environmental assessment, design for planning, and consultation management.
• Own and implement the Project Development Process, including the internal Stage Gate framework and planning-related investment governance.
• Lead public engagement, regulatory consultation, and stakeholder management strategies, ensuring the company’s voice is well represented in policy forums and community dialogue.
• Oversee procurement and management of planning consultants, legal advisors, and environmental specialists to support project delivery.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing internal team, fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture focused on quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.

• Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in renewable energy development, with a strong background in Irish planning legislation and environmental regulation.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
• Expertise in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder project environments and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with strong strategic planning and programme management capabilities.
• Skilled communicator and negotiator, comfortable representing the organisation in politically sensitive forums and high-level engagements.
• Adept at managing multiple concurrent projects with varying complexity and risk profiles.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the renewable energy market in Ireland and the EU.
• Additional professional memberships (IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are a plus.

• Highly competitive salary
• Lucrative benefits package inc bonus, pension and healthcare
• Significant career opportunity in a senior leadership role within a growing renewable energy business
• Exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure projects with real national impact
• Opportunities for influence at policy level and engagement across major industry forums
• Flexible working arrangements and a values-driven organisational culture

Excel Recruitment