Planning Programme Manager – Pipeline & Joint Ventures

Job Description

Our Renewable Energy Business Unit currently has a need for a Planning Program Manager – Pipeline & Joint Ventures. This role will be based in Newbridge and will report to the Planning Manager. The successful candidate will manage a programme of large Renewable Energy (RE) infrastructure projects, focused primarily on the consenting phase. To lead engagement and manage service delivery with Joint Ventures partners.

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

• Lead the delivery of robust, best in class planning applications for large renewable infrastructure projects (e.g. Wind, Solar, BESS). Ensure all inputs for the preplanning stage incl. constraints gathering, baseline assessments/surveys, turbine layout and infrastructure design, development of planning application documents incl. EIAR etc. are delivered to the highest industry standard. Actively engage with internal and external stakeholders to keep abreast of planning outcomes, changes in legislation, policy decisions and national and local authority development plans to maximise the potential opportunities and outcomes for the company;
• Lead proactive engagement with Joint Venture partners, as required to oversee contractual commitments, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Establish clear communication channels, foster strong relationships, and manage partner expectations effectively. Develop efficient internal delivery structures to ensure timely service delivery while safeguarding company resources beyond agreed terms;
• Develop strategy to programme delivery to maximise commercial benefits and ensure successful project outcomes. Implement effective project management plans/programmes based on best practices (e.g., PMI standards). Coordinate project interactions, dependencies, resources, and contractor interfaces. Proactively monitor project execution, project risk and project finances, assisting Project Managers in recovery actions when necessary. Ensure procurement aligns with company policy and evaluate the performance of principal consultants. Support annual BU milestone setting and budgeting process;
• Build effective professional relationships across functions, both within and outside the organisation. Be solutions-oriented and think outside the box. Work autonomously with strong organisational and time-management skills. Review formal structures with excellent attention to detail to ensure high-quality content and meet highest professional standards (e.g., programming, risk management, finance and planning / EIAR documentation);
• Collaborate with the Stakeholder and Advocacy Manager to develop an effective communications and consultation strategy for local communities and relevant stakeholders regarding proposed development sites. Lead the implementation of engagement plans across the project portfolio, ensuring effective communication with key stakeholders, including all relevant statutory and non-statutory consultees involved in the planning process for renewable energy development projects;
• Leverage own expertise to evaluate third-party investment opportunities under consideration by the RE business unit with particular responsibility for leading the due diligence of planning permissions, planning processes, and environmental issues associated with the project(s) under consideration;
• 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 members of the public using the premises and understand and apply all Health & Safety legislation and regulatory requirements as a fundamental element of any design undertaken ensuring safety of employee’s and members of the public during construction, testing and commissioning;
• Lead and Performance Manage your direct report(s). 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:

• Hons Degree (NFQ 8) in a Technical discipline, ideally in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning or equivalent;
• Post Graduate (NFQ 9) qualification in a relevant discipline, (e.g. Project Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning Law) would be an advantage for this role;
• 7-10 yrs with minimum 3-5 years at Senior Project Manager or equivalent responsibility level;
• Membership of Environmental or Engineering Professional Body desirable;
• 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;
• High competence in programme management, contract management and negotiation, budgeting and resource forecasting are essential for this role preferably across a range of projects with differing priorities, risk profiles and timelines;
• Excellent communications and stakeholder management skills required. Experience of working in Joint Venture an advantage;
• Development and line management of technical professionals from diverse backgrounds; Proficient in MS Project, MS Word, MS Excel;