Senior Planning Manager

Elgin; Dublin; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Elgin is seeking a Senior Planning Manager to lead activities related to large-scale renewable energy projects in Dublin and the UK. The role requires overseeing the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with planning requirements, and guiding internal and external teams through complex planning processes.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in planning processes in Ireland and the UK, alongside strong analytical and communication skills. The position is full-time on a 12-month fixed-term contract with a focus on teamwork and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning processes within Ireland and the UK.
• Proven ability to manage and influence multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning-related activities for large-scale projects.
• Guide teams through complex planning processes and develop strategies.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation and environmental regulations.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Planning process knowledge

Project management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Planning or related discipline

Tools

MS Office (Excel, MS Project)

Job description

Elgin Values

Agility We Lead with Agility Integrity We Act with IntegrityExcellence We Empower ExcellenceCare We Value Care

Core Behavioural Responsibilities For All Employees

Job Description

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

  Your profile

  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.