At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for renewable energy projects, ensuring efficient project progression.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: 12-month contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for travel across Ireland and the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Planning or relevant 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.
Senior Planning Manager employer: Elgin Energy
Elgin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the renewable energy sector, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in vibrant Dublin or London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation and sustainability, while also enjoying the flexibility of periodic travel across Ireland and the UK. Join us to make a meaningful impact on large-scale solar projects and be part of a team that champions best practices in planning and environmental compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the renewable energy sector! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on planning processes and how you've tackled challenges in past projects. This will show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can really add value.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. Mention something specific from the conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team.
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 the role of Senior Planning Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning matters in the past.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills:We’re looking for someone with a proactive, solution-oriented approach. In your application, share specific instances where you’ve tackled planning challenges or managed risks successfully. This will show us that you can think critically and act decisively when needed.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elgin Energy
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the renewable energy projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in planning strategy and stakeholder engagement.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical and critical thinking skills. Think of situations where you identified risks or gaps in planning processes and how your proactive approach led to successful outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about your experience liaising with various stakeholders, including local councils and design teams. Share how you’ve effectively communicated project value and navigated complex planning processes.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on planning legislation and environmental regulations relevant to the UK and Ireland. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and best practices in your projects, as this will show your commitment to quality and excellence.
