Location: Dublin / Castlebar / Galway / Limerick / Sligo (flexible with hybrid working)
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the appointment of a highly experienced and proactive Lead Planner to join their expanding Environment & Planning Division.
This is a senior-level opportunity for a chartered planning professional to take a leadership role within a growing planning team, delivering complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to the strategic direction of planning services nationwide.
The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of high-quality planning outputs across a diverse portfolio of projects, working closely with project managers, engineers, environmental specialists, legal advisors, and external stakeholders.
In return, the company offers a competitive remuneration package, flexible working arrangements, and strong long-term career progression within a dynamic and forward-thinking consultancy.
The Role
As Lead Planner, responsibilities will include:
Leading the preparation, coordination, review, and submission of complex planning applications and EIARs
Providing strategic planning advice to clients and internal project teams across multiple sectors
Preparing, reviewing, and signing off planning reports, applications, notices, and drawings
Reviewing technical reports, figures, and drawings produced by planning, engineering, and environmental teams
Preparing and reviewing EIAR chapters and Planning & Environmental Consideration Reports (PECRs)
Providing solution-focused planning risk management and strategic leadership on project and sectoral matters
Managing project timelines, deliverables, and budgets in collaboration with project managers
Leading and coordinating multidisciplinary project teams to ensure high-quality and timely delivery
Liaising with internal and external clients to deliver robust, commercially focused planning advice
Representing clients at meetings with Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála, including pre-application consultations
Engaging with statutory bodies and stakeholders, including government departments and agencies
Supporting legal teams with planning documentation for judicial reviews and planning-related court proceedings
Attending Oral Hearings as an Expert Witness and participating in public consultation events
Contributing to tender submissions, including technical input and pricing
Mentoring and supervising junior planners, supporting their technical and professional development
Participating in business development activities and promoting planning services
Maintaining and developing strong client relationships
Keeping up to date with legislative changes, policy updates, case law, and industry best practice
Ensuring compliance with quality assurance procedures and contributing to their ongoing developmentCandidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:
A minimum of 10 years' professional experience in a planning role, with demonstrable project leadership experience
Corporate Membership of the IPI or Chartered Membership of the RTPI
Proven experience leading and mentoring teams within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment
Strong, up-to-date knowledge of Irish planning legislation, policy, and procedures
Extensive experience in EIAR preparation and complex planning processes
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
A track record of delivering high-quality planning outputs on complex projects
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlinesInterested?
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)
Salary description
£64743.00 - £77691.00 per year