Planning & Environmental Group Manager

Job description

The Generation Engineering Civil and Environment Department (GECE) within Engineering & Major Projects is seeking a highly experienced planning, environmental or related technical professional with a proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams. The role will involve managing the Planning & Environmental Group within GECE and ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality planning and environmental services to ESB Generation & Trading and other business units. The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgement and leadership capability, together with excellent communication, stakeholder management and delivery skills. They will be results-driven, commercially aware and committed to safety, environmental responsibility, continuous improvement and the development of a high-performing team. In support of ESB’s strategic objectives of decarbonising electricity, building resilient infrastructure and empowering customers, you will lead the delivery of planning, environmental consenting, compliance, engineering and ecological services that enable safe, environmentally compliant and sustainable development of electricity generation infrastructure projects, supporting ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership, direction and management to the multidisciplinary team of planning and environmental specialists ensuring the effective delivery of planning & environmental services for ESB Generation & Trading and other relevant ESB business units. Manage the structure, resourcing, workload, performance and development of the P&E Group to ensure the team has the capability and capacity to meet current and future business needs and contribute to the management of the GECE Department, including business & resource planning, continuous improvement, technical capability development and implementation of departmental objectives. Provide technical oversight and governance to ensure that planning and environmental outputs are robust, consistent, delivered to a high technical standard, in line with relevant legislation, policy, regulatory requirements, ESB standards and good industry practice. Promote a strong safety, environmental and compliance culture across all activities, supporting ESB’s 2040 Strategy, Our Behaviours Framework, sustainability commitments and obligations under relevant environmental and planning legislation. Drive continuous improvement in planning and environmental processes, systems, standards and ways of working to support efficient, consistent and high-quality service delivery. Manage the P&E Group engagement with internal and external stakeholders and represent the P&E Group at relevant project, departmental and business unit forums, providing clear advice, reporting and recommendations to senior management as required. Experience and Qualifications Essential Level 8 Town Planning / Environmental Science or related Science / Engineering Degree or equivalent qualification Minimum 10 years’ relevant work experience in planning, environmental management or a related technical discipline Proven leadership and people management experience on multidisciplinary teams Excellent organisational and delegation skills and the ability to manage a challenging and changing workload Excellent communication skills in leadership, stakeholder engagement and written and verbal presentation High level of specialist expertise, including a strong technical capability across the planning and environmental sector Proven record of being results driven and customer oriented with a clear focus on delivery to safety, time, quality and cost goals Strong commercial acumen and project/programme management capability demonstrating commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, continuous improvement and collaborative ways of working Desirable Level 9 Town Planning/Environmental Science or related Science / Engineering Degree or equivalent qualification Chartered status in a recognised professional science / engineering institution. Location This position will be based at ESB EMP Office at The Sidings, Dublin or Eastgate, Cork. Regular attendance at EMP Office at The Sidings, Dublin is a requirement of this role – frequency to be agreed with line manager. Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business. Reporting To Generation Engineering Civil and Environmental Manager, Engineering & Major Projects Why Work with Us? Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future Career development through mentoring and training Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities Sports and Social Clubs Networking opportunities Credit Union Generous Pension Access to staff well-being programmes Generous parental leave entitlements Strong values-based and inclusive culture Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted Salary €86,000 - € Per101,000 Annum Closing Date 15th September 2026 Interview Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy: Accountable and Ethical Collaborative Growing and Adaptive Proactive Respectful and Supportive More information available on Our People Promise Notes Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role. The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in Ireland prior to commencement of employment.