Head of Planning and Development

• Develop and lead the company’s planning and consenting strategy to enable project delivery and investment.
• Act as the senior authority on planning, consenting, and environmental matters, advising the Executive Team, Investment Committee, and Board.
• Align planning activities with corporate goals and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Shape internal governance for site selection, project progression, and investment approvals based on planning risk.
• Represent the company in external forums, public inquiries, and regulatory hearings.
• Engage with regulators, policymakers, and industry bodies.
• Identify and mitigate critical path risks throughout the planning lifecycle.

• Oversee planning applications and consent processes across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy projects.
• Own the consenting strategy and timelines for each project, ensuring alignment with commercial and investment milestones.
• Monitor planning risks and resolve complex issues in collaboration with legal and executive teams.

• Lead the planning and execution of multiple projects with varying complexity and risk profiles.
• Demonstrate expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in design for planning, environmental assessment, and consenting.
• Manage procurement and contracts related to planning and environmental services.

• Represent the company in consultations and public engagement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with statutory authorities, local governments, and community stakeholders.
• Influence planning policy through active participation in national forums, working groups, and industry committees.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of planning and environmental professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with external advisors, consultants, legal teams, and technical experts.

• Ensure full compliance with company health, safety, and welfare policies.
• Actively participate in the Performance Management process to support personal and team objectives.

• Holds an honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Brings over a decade of hands-on experience in renewable energy development, with a focus on planning and environmental consenting.

• Demonstrated success in securing consents for large-scale infrastructure projects, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Deep familiarity with Ireland’s planning system, EU environmental legislation, and licensing frameworks.
• Well-versed in renewable energy technologies, grid systems, and the broader energy market landscape.
• Experienced in preparing EIARs and associated documentation to a high professional standard.

• Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique timelines, risks, and strategic goals.
• Strong track record in programme and project management, from early-stage planning through to execution.
• Skilled in navigating complex stakeholder environments and multi-agency coordination.

• A confident leader with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable engaging at senior levels, with a persuasive communication style and strong negotiation skills.
• Thrives in fast-paced, evolving, and politically nuanced settings.

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and detail-focused.
• Committed to excellence and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

Kelly Services