Senior Planning Consultant: McCutcheon Halley

Irish Planning Institute; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary

Professional development

Job summary

McCutcheon Halley is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Consultant to join our Dublin team. The role offers ownership of projects, development of client relationships and leadership across development across Ireland.

You will work with Directors and planning professionals, leading teams through complex planning processes and delivering strategic planning advice to clients. Flexible hybrid working in Dublin is offered with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related field, preferably IPI/RTPI accredited.
• At least 5 years of professional planning experience, ideally in a consultancy.
• Corporate membership of IPI or chartered RTPI, or progress toward membership.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish planning system, legislation and processes.
• Experience managing planning projects and preparing high-quality applications, reports and submissions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills to develop and convey planning strategies.
• Experience with clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to defend planning advice.
• Good organisational and project management skills with budgets and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of planning projects from feasibility to decisions.
• Provide strategic planning advice, identify opportunities and constraints.
• Prepare and review planning applications, statements, appeals and submissions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams including architects and engineers.
• Act as main client contact, building relationships through the project lifecycle.
• Represent clients in meetings with planning authorities and statutory bodies.
• Identify planning risks and propose practical, commercially informed solutions.
• Prepare fee proposals, manage budgets and project programmes.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support their development.
• Contribute to business development and growth of the Dublin office.
• Stay updated on planning legislation and policy to reflect the Irish system.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Planning strategy

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Commercial awareness

Analytical thinking

Education

Town Planning degree

Job description

McCutcheon Halley is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Consultant to join our Dublin team.

This is an opportunity for an established planning professional who wants to take greater ownership of projects, develop client relationships and play a leading role in delivering development across Ireland.

Our work spans residential and mixed-use development, commercial development, renewable energy, strategic infrastructure and regeneration. We advise on everything from complex planning applications and appeals to development strategies, planning policy and major infrastructure projects.

You will work directly with our Directors and experienced planning professionals, taking responsibility for managing significant projects, advising clients and leading multidisciplinary teams through complex planning processes.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical planning expertise with commercial awareness, sound professional judgement and the confidence to take the lead.

The Role

As a Senior Planning Consultant, you will:

• Lead and manage a portfolio of planning projects, from initial feasibility and planning strategy through to applications, appeals and final decisions.
• Provide clear, strategic planning advice to clients, identifying development opportunities, planning constraints and appropriate consenting strategies.
• Lead the preparation and review of planning applications, planning statements, appeals, submissions and other technical planning documentation.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating architects, engineers, environmental specialists and other consultants.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, building strong professional relationships and providing advice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent clients in meetings and consultations with planning authorities, An Coimisiún Pleanála and other statutory bodies.
• Identify and manage planning risks, develop practical solutions and provide commercially informed recommendations.
• Prepare fee proposals, manage project budgets and programmes, and oversee the delivery and financial performance of assigned projects.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues, reviewing their work and contributing to their professional development.
• Contribute to business development, identifying new opportunities and supporting the continued growth of our Dublin office.
• Keep abreast of developments in planning legislation, policy and practice, ensuring advice reflects the evolving Irish planning system.

About You

We would like to hear from candidates who have:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline, preferably accredited by the IPI or RTPI.
• At least 5 years’ relevant professional planning experience, ideally gained within a planning consultancy.
• Corporate membership of the IPI, chartered membership of the RTPI, or equivalent professional standing, or significant progress towards membership.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Irish planning system, including planning legislation, policy, procedures and development management.
• Demonstrable experience managing planning projects and preparing high-quality planning applications, reports and submissions.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and communicate effective planning strategies.
• Experience working with clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present and defend planning advice.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with an understanding of commercial priorities, budgets and deadlines.
• The ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and take responsibility for project delivery.
• A collaborative, proactive approach and an interest in supporting the development of colleagues.

Experience across several development sectors, particularly complex residential, commercial, renewable energy or strategic infrastructure projects, would be an advantage.

What We Offer

At McCutcheon Halley, you will have the opportunity to shape projects, influence planning strategies and take a leading role in delivering development across Ireland.

We offer:

• A diverse portfolio of interesting and challenging projects across multiple development sectors.
• The opportunity to lead significant projects and work directly with clients and decision-makers.
• Close collaboration with experienced Directors and senior professionals.
• Genuine responsibility and autonomy, with the support of an established and experienced consultancy team.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment where professional judgement, initiative and ideas are valued.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements based in our Dublin office.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, reflective of experience and responsibilities.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland. A full driving licence and access to transport are required.