Development Manager

Job Title: Development Manager Location: Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin / HybridWe have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Development Manager to join our client, a fast-growing renewable energy company developing and operating large-scale projects across Ireland and the UK.The organisation is focused on developing and operating industrial-scale renewable gas infrastructure, contributing to decarbonisation, energy security and the transition to a more sustainable energy system.With a substantial pipeline of projects and the backing of infrastructure investment, the business is entering an important phase of development and expansion.This is a senior opportunity for an experienced development professional to take responsibility for planning, environmental consenting and project delivery across a portfolio of renewable energy projects.The RoleThe Development Manager will be responsible for managing the planning, environmental consenting and development process for large-scale biogas and biomethane projects, from early-stage site assessment and project development through to planning approval and pre-construction compliance.Working closely with internal project teams, external consultants, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders, the successful candidate will play a key role in progressing projects through the development lifecycle and ensuring delivery within agreed timescales, budgets and specifications.Key ResponsibilitiesPlanning, Consenting and Environmental ManagementLead and manage the planning process to secure planning permissions and consents for large-scale biogas and biomethane projects.Coordinate and manage external consultants undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), EIA screening, Appropriate Assessment (AA), Ecological Impact Assessments and other technical studies required for planning applications.Oversee the preparation, review and submission of planning application documentation.Work closely with project design teams to identify, assess and mitigate planning, environmental and permitting risks throughout the design and development process.Support the preparation and submission of environmental regulatory applications, including Industrial Emissions and Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) licences, as well as other relevant permits, including Animal By-Product approvals.Manage pre-construction planning and environmental compliance, including the discharge of planning conditions and liaison with planning and environmental authorities.Coordinate planning appeals, oral hearings and public inquiries, including the preparation of evidence and provision of expert witness testimony where required.Stakeholder Engagement and Public ConsultationManage engagement with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, environmental regulators, statutory bodies, landowners, neighbouring residents, utility providers and other public bodies.Plan and deliver public consultation programmes, community engagement activities and public information events.Build and maintain effective working relationships with regulators, statutory consultees and other stakeholders throughout the project development process.Project Development and Commercial SupportSupport the identification, assessment and development of strategic project opportunities across Ireland and the UK.Undertake site selection assessments, planning appraisals and environmental due diligence for potential development sites and acquisition opportunities.Support the commercial team with market analysis, sector intelligence and the identification of potential development and acquisition opportunities.Monitor developments in biomethane and renewable energy policy, legislation, planning decisions and regulatory frameworks.Contribute to policy reviews, industry engagement and lobbying activities relevant to the development of renewable gas infrastructure.Project Management and ReportingTake responsibility for delivering development projects in line with agreed objectives, specifications, programmes and budgets.Manage external consultants, technical workstreams and project resources to ensure the effective progression of development activities.Identify, manage and report project risks, consenting challenges and potential delays.Provide regular progress reports and updates to the Chief Operations Officer, highlighting project milestones, emerging risks and key decisions.Undertake other relevant activities in support of the wider development and business objectives.Candidate Profile – Qualifications and ExperienceThe successful candidate will be an experienced planning, environmental or renewable energy development professional with a proven track record of securing consents and delivering complex infrastructure projects.Essential RequirementsDegree-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline.Minimum of 10 years' relevant professional experience in planning, environmental consenting and project development.Demonstrable experience managing and delivering EIARs, Appropriate Assessments, planning applications and environmental permit applications for large-scale infrastructure projects.Experience in the renewable energy sector, ideally involving biogas, biomethane, anaerobic digestion or other energy infrastructure.Strong working knowledge of relevant planning and environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, codes of practice and technical standards.Proven experience engaging with planning authorities, environmental regulators, statutory bodies and local communities.Demonstrable project management experience, including responsibility for delivering projects to agreed programmes, budgets and specifications.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical, commercial and regulatory stakeholders.Whats on offer:Hybrid working modelPension: Eligible for company pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution.Insurances: Participation in private medical insurance, salary protection, and death benefits schemes.Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus based on personal and company performance.Holidays: 25 days paid holiday per year (pro-rated if applicable).For further details about this opportunity please contact Gillian Nicholson