Lead Planner – Environment

TOBIN is seeking a highly experienced and proactive Lead Planner to join our expanding Environment & Planning Division in Dublin / Castlebar / Galway / Limerick / Sligo (location flexible with hybrid working options). This is a senior-level opportunity for a chartered planning professional to lead complex projects, mentor junior staff, and play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of our planning services.
As a Lead Planner, you will oversee the delivery of high-quality planning outputs across a diverse portfolio, while supporting the development of our planning team and collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, and environmental specialists.
In return, we offer a competitive remuneration package and strong career development prospects within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary consultancy.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the preparation, coordination, and review of complex planning applications and EIARs
Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams across multiple sectors
Supervise and mentor junior planners, supporting their technical and professional development
Collaborate with project managers to ensure planning deliverables align with project timelines and objectives
Prepare and review planning reports and applications.
Review reports, figures, and drawings prepared by team members across planning, engineering, and environmental disciplines.
Validate and sign off on planning application content, including forms, notices, and drawings.
Prepare and review EIAR chapters and Planning & Environmental Consideration Reports (PECRs).
Provide strategic planning leadership and direction on sectoral and project-specific planning matters.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and guidance, offering solution-based planning risk management.
Liaise with clients (internal and external) to deliver high-quality planning advice, reports, and outputs.
Collaborate with legal teams to support 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 such as the public, statutory consultees, and government departments (e.g., NPWS, IFI, TII).
Coordinate with peer reviewers, legal teams, and clients to finalise deliverables to the required standard.
Attend Oral Hearings as an Expert Witness and participate in public consultation events.
Contribute to tender responses, including pricing and technical input.
Understand and manage project timelines and objectives.
Lead project teams to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery.
Mentor and support junior planning staff.
Participate in business development activities to promote TOBIN’s planning services.
Maintain and grow client relationships.
Stay current with legislative changes, case law, and industry innovations.
Ensure compliance with and contribute to the development of quality assurance procedures.
Actively promote TOBIN’s planning services and support company growth.
Required Skills & Experience:
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a planning role, with a strong track record of leading projects
Holds either a Corporate Membership of the IPI or Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
Proven leadership and mentoring experience within a multidisciplinary environment
In-depth knowledge of Irish planning legislation, policy, and procedures
Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Demonstrated ability to manage complex planning processes and deliver high-quality outputs
Experience in EIAR preparation and planning risk management
Proficiency in MS Office, Microsoft Project, and relevant planning tools
Note: This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve in line with the role and the company’s strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain and enhance their skills to adapt to a changing environment.
How to Apply
If you feel that this opportunity is something you may be interested in and would like an opportunity to discuss the matter further, please forward your CV to hr@tobin.ie.
TOBIN
Galway: Fairgreen House, Fairgreen Rd, Galway, H91 AXK8, Ireland Tel: (091) 565 211 Dublin: Block 10-4, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Dublin 15, D15 X98N Ireland Tel: (01) 803 0401 Castlebar: Market Square, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 Y427 Ireland Tel: (094) 902 1401 Limerick: Unit 4, Crescent Court, St. Nessan’s Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick V94 V298 Ireland Tel: (061) 976 262 Sligo: First Floor, Carroll House, 15/16 Stephen Street, Sligo F91 ADK4 Ireland Tel: (071) 931 8844 Email: info@tobin.ie

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