Senior Planner

Job Title: Senior Planner
Location: Dublin | Galway | Limerick | Sligo | Castlebar | Hybrid options available

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established, multidisciplinary environmental and planning consultancy in their search for an experienced Senior Planner to join a growing Environment & Planning team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated planning professional to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple sectors, contributing to developments that shape communities and support sustainable growth. The successful candidate will be involved in the preparation and management of planning applications, appeals, feasibility studies, and EIAR-related work, while also supporting and mentoring junior team members within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

The role would suit a planner with a strong working knowledge of the Irish planning system, gained in either the public or private sector, who is confident managing complex projects and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

In return, our client offers a competitive remuneration package, flexible working arrangements, and strong long-term career progression within a dynamic consultancy setting.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and review planning reports and planning applications
Review reports, figures, and drawings prepared across planning, engineering, and environmental teams
Validate and sign off on planning application documentation, including forms, notices, and drawings
Prepare and review EIAR chapters and Planning & Environmental Consideration Reports (PECRs)
Provide strategic planning input on sectoral and project-specific matters
Advise on planning legislation, policy, and guidance, with a focus on planning risk management
Liaise with internal and external clients to deliver high-quality planning advice and outputs
Collaborate with legal teams on documentation for planning court proceedings, including judicial reviews
Represent clients in meetings with planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, including pre-application consultations
Engage with stakeholders including statutory bodies and government departments
Coordinate with peer reviewers, legal teams, and clients to finalise deliverables
Attend Oral Hearings as an Expert Witness and participate in public consultation events
Contribute to tender submissions, including technical input and pricing support
Manage project timelines, budgets, and objectives
Lead project teams to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery
Mentor and support junior planning staff
Support business development activities and help grow client relationships
Stay up to date with legislative changes, case law, and industry developments
Contribute to quality assurance procedures and best practice

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum of 8 years' experience in a similar planning role
Working towards, or holding, Corporate Membership of the IPI or Chartered Membership of the RTPI
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent analytical and interpersonal abilities
Ability to work autonomously and make informed planning decisions
Experience in conflict mediation and stakeholder engagement
Proven track record guiding sustainable projects through the planning system
Collaborative approach to working with engineers, environmental scientists, and other specialists
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Teams, Microsoft Project, and relevant planning software
Strong understanding of identifying, managing, and advising on planning risksIf you're a Senior Planner looking to take the next step in your career within a respected consultancy offering flexibility, progression, and high-quality projects, we'd be keen to speak with you.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)