Head of Planning & Development

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Head of Planning & Development

Newbridge

BnM
has a need for a Head of Planning & Development to lead the end-to-end
planning strategy and consenting activities for the company’s renewable energy
portfolio, including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and
green hydrogen infrastructure.

This is a leadership role responsible for guiding a multidisciplinary
team through development-stage planning, environmental assessment, stakeholder
engagement, and statutory consenting processes across multiple jurisdictions.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role will include the following:

  • Strategy & Leadership
    • Define and drive the company’s planning and consenting strategy to enable delivery of its development and investment pipeline.
    • Serve as the primary senior leader on planning, consenting, and environmental matters, including engagement with the Executive Team, Investment Committee, and Board. Provide authoritative planning advice to senior management and ensure alignment of planning activities with company goals and regulatory developments. Shape internal governance processes for site selection, project progression, and investment approval based on planning risk.
    • Actively engage with regulators, policy makers, and industry bodies to help shape the future planning environment for renewables (e.g. An Bord Pleanála, MARA, DECC).Represent the company externally at industry forums, public inquiries, and regulatory hearings. Establish and implement Project Development Processes, including the Group’s Stage Gate investment decision framework. Identify critical path risks and mitigation strategies across the planning lifecycle.
  • Planning & Consenting Delivery
    • Oversee the delivery of planning applications and consents across a portfolio of renewable energy projects at varying stages of development.
    • Take full ownership of the consenting strategy and timeline for each project, ensuring alignment with commercial and investment milestones.
    • Monitor and mitigate planning risks throughout the development lifecycle; escalate and resolve complex issues with support from legal and executive teams.
  • Programme & Project Management
    • Lead the planning and delivery of multiple concurrent projects with varying complexity, timelines, and risk profiles. Significant expertise delivering multi-million euro infrastructure projects in particular design for planning, environmental assessment, consenting processes and associated legislation and policy in these areas is essential for this role;
    • Oversee procurement processes and manage contracts related to planning and environmental services. 
  • Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement
    • Act as a senior company representative in external stakeholder consultations and public engagement initiatives. Lead proactive engagement with Joint Venture partners, as required to oversee contractual commitments, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with statutory authorities (e.g. An Bord Pleanála, MARA, Local Authorities). Interface with government departments, community stakeholders, and industry bodies to influence planning policy. Manage consultation processes with communities, NGOs, and special interest groups.
    • Represent the company in national industry forums, focus groups, and working committees
  • Leadership & Team Development
    • Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of planning and environmental professionals.
    • Drive a culture of accountability, knowledge sharing, and professional excellence.
    • Manage external advisor frameworks and commercial relationships with consultants, lawyers, and technical experts.
    • All employees are expected to co-operate fully with all provisions taken by the company for ensuring Health and Safety, and Welfare of co-employees and member of the public using the premises.
    • Proactively participate in the Performance Management process to ensure delivery of own, and the wider team’s objectives.

The Person:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualification, skills, knowledge and attributes:

  • Educational Background
    • Honours degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience
    • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in renewable energy project development.
    • Proven track record in planning and consenting, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and infrastructure development.
    • Strong experience managing renewable energy projects in Ireland.
    • Background in large-scale planning applications and complex, multi-stakeholder project environments.
  • Technical Skills & Knowledge
    • Deep understanding of Irish and EU planning legislation, environmental regulations, and licencing processes.
    • Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, grid infrastructure, and energy markets.
    • Experience in developing EIAR and related documentation to a high professional standard.
  • Project & Process Management
    • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with differing timelines, risk profiles, and priorities.
    • Skilled in project and programme management, including strategic planning and execution.
  • Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
    • Proven ability to influence and negotiate effectively at senior levels.
    • Comfortable working in dynamic, evolving, and politically sensitive environments.
  • Personal Attributes
    • Solutions-oriented, with a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving.
    • Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
    • Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality outputs.
    • Additional qualifications (e.g. IPI, RTPI, IEMA) are advantageous but not essential.

The selection process for this role will include candidate screening from application.

Visit Careers – BnM for more information.

If you wish to be considered, simply apply on or before 1st of September 2025.

BnM is an equal opportunities employer.

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