Job Title : Head of Planning and Development
Salary : 100-120k
This is a full time permanent role
Role Overview
GiGroup have partnered with a renewable energy organization who are looking for a Head of Development and Planning to join their team. This role will be responsible for overseeing the companies renewable energy portfolio as well as guiding the team through environmental assessment and planning across multiple jurisdictions

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

KSGalway

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Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited are proud founding members of Menopause in business, pledge members for Neurodiversity in business, Disability committed members, Silver status pledge members for the Armed Forces Covenant, and Bronze trail blazers for Racial Equality matters.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited group of companies includes Gi Recruitment Limited, Draefern Limited, Gi Group Recruitment Ltd, INTOO (UK) Limited, Marks Sattin (UK) Limited, TACK TMI UK Limited, Grafton Professional Staffing Limited, Encore Personnel Services, Gi Group Ireland Limited and Kelly Services (UK) Ltd. Gi Group Ireland Limited are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this role.

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