At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for large-scale renewable energy projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Elgin, a leader in renewable energy with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: 12-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Planning or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
About us
Elgin is a fully integrated, utility-scale solar and storage Independent Power Producer, developing, building, owning and operating renewable energy assets across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy. With a 10GW+ pipeline spanning solar, co-located and standalone storage projects, Elgin brings projects from origination through development to energisation and long-term operation. The company has delivered over 1GW of ready-to-build projects, with more than 200MW currently under construction across the UK and Ireland. Elgin is backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), which acquired a majority stake in 2024, supporting the company’s long-term growth and ambition to scale. Founded in 2009, Elgin operates from offices in Dublin, London, Ulm and Rome, with a team of over 100 professionals driving the delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects.
Senior Planning Manager employer: Elgin Energy
Elgin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions agility, integrity, and excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, team members are empowered to lead significant renewable energy projects across the UK and Ireland, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture and opportunities for professional development. Located in vibrant cities like Dublin and London, employees can thrive in a setting that values innovation and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the renewable energy sector, especially those who work at Elgin or similar companies. Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Elgin's projects and values. Understand their approach to planning and stakeholder engagement. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Planning Manager, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Elgin team and contributing to their exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning processes, especially within the renewable energy sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs for the Senior Planning Manager role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've managed. We love to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication is effective and easy to understand, reflecting the strong communication skills we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Elgin.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elgin Energy
✨Know Your Planning Processes
Make sure you brush up on the planning processes specific to Ireland and the UK. Familiarise yourself with the key regulations and stakeholders involved, as this will show your understanding of the role and its challenges.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing multiple stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex relationships and ensured alignment on project objectives in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Agility and Problem-Solving
Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly to changes or overcome planning challenges. Share these stories during the interview to illustrate your agility and proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical aspects of planning. Strong communication skills are crucial for this role, so be prepared to present your ideas effectively and engage with the interviewers.
