Elgin Values
Core behavioural responsibilities for all employees
| Agility | We Lead with Agility |
| Integrity | We Act with Integrity |
| Excellence | We Empower Excellence |
| Care | We Value Care |
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.
