Associate Director | Director - Lead Town Planner

Job Title: Associate Director | Director 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)