Project Director - Planning (Renewables)

Project Director - Planning (Renewables) Permanent employee,Full-time Galway, Dublin About us

MKO is Ireland's largest Planning and Environmental consultancy.
Our team of 200+ experienced professionals work across the planning, environmental, ecology and related fields.
We deliver challenging and complex projects for our clients and have an unrivalled track record of success. We add real value to our client's projects through our multi-disciplinary expertise and a broad range of nationwide experience.
Our success and growth rests entirely on the knowledge, skills, ambition and integrity of our people, and we value these qualities most highly. We are forward-thinking and work with a can-do attitude, which nurtures people, ideas and opportunities to help maximise potential.
Through our work, we aim to leave a legacy we can all be proud of.

Job Description

As MKO's planning team has continued to expand, we have created three dedicated teams, each specialising in particular sectors of industry and types of development. The Planning Renewables team specialises in everything that is planning-related on renewable energy projects.
We're looking for an experienced Planner with a proven track record to join our growing Planning team in the renewables sector and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy. This new role will offer the opportunity to shape planning strategies and have a lasting impact on the industry's direction.
Outlined below are some of the key responsibilities for this leadership role :
Strategic Planning Leadership:

• Develop and implement specialised planning strategies for renewable energy projects within your designated unit.
• Lead the renewable planning team in aligning strategies with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Drive innovation and efficiency in planning processes to optimise project development.
• Contribute to our success story and be part of a team that has already delivered an impressive 3GW of renewable energy projects.
• Work on groundbreaking projects at the forefront of planning.

Team leadership and expansion:

• Inspire and guide a team of renewable energy planning specialists within the newly formed unit.
• Lead and foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the specialist renewable planning team.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Play a key role in the Planning team expansion by participating in the recruitment and onboarding of new team members.

Stakeholder engagement:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate planning considerations into project development and ensure seamless project development.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organisations, and local communities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships to navigate regulatory landscapes effectively.

Industry Influence:

• Stay informed about industry trends, policy changes, and emerging technologies.
• Shape planning strategies that contribute to the company's leading position in the renewables sector.
• Represent the company in industry forums and contribute to thought leadership initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a planning leadership role, preferably within the renewables or sustainable energy sector.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy project development
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of delivering successful projects on time
• Strategic thinker with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of renewable energy project development, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance.
• Ambition to influence the industry and shape the direction of renewable energy planning.
• Qualification in Town & Regional Planning with accreditation from RTPI or IPI
• Minimum 7 years relevant experience (Post Qualification)

MKO offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the renewables sector and make a meaningful impact on the environment. If you're ready to be a driving force in building a sustainable future, one project at a time, we want to hear from you!