Senior Executive Planner

About Kilkenny County Council

Kilkenny County Council serves a population of approximately 104,000 (as per 2022 Census), marking a 5% growth since 2016. Around 63% of residents live in rural settings, while 37% inhabit urban centers such as Kilkenny City, Ferrybank, Callan, Thomastown, and Castlecomer. The county spans 2,073 km2, bordered by five counties, with significant river boundaries including the Nore, Barrow, and Suir. Administration operates through Kilkenny County Council and four Municipal Districts, led by 24 elected members serving five-year terms.

Role Overview

The Senior Executive Planner position within the Planning Department is a senior role reporting to the Senior Planner or other designated personnel. This full-time role involves managing aspects of the Planning Department, delivering diverse services aligned with strategic policy implementation, including Development Management, Forward Planning, Project Delivery, Climate Action, and Sustainable Transport initiatives. Collaboration with senior management and elected officials is integral to achieving policy and corporate objectives.

Primary Duties

• Develop and enact development plan documents, preparing committee reports as necessary.
• Evaluate new and evolving national planning policies and adjoining local authority development plans, assessing implications and responding accordingly.
• Coordinate with other Planning Authorities to manage Development Plans and Variations.
• Engage with public bodies for implementation efforts and monitor progress, including reviews of development plans.
• Set milestones, targets, and performance indicators to guide planning initiatives.
• Build and sustain partnerships with external agencies to support work program delivery.
• Coordinate with Regional Assemblies on regional planning matters, providing advice and reporting frequently.
• Assess planning applications and pre-application proposals in accordance with council policies and offer recommendations.
• Support and advise on capital and regeneration projects, including navigating Part 8 procedures.
• Participate in cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure effective service delivery.
• Comply with corporate policies such as Health and Safety, HR, Data Protection, and Child Safeguarding.
• Promote good governance and act in the public interest at all times.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated extensive management experience within town planning contexts.
• Proficient in analyzing and responding to emerging national and regulatory policies.
• Experienced in preparing and assessing planning applications aligned with regional policies.
• Effective leader capable of managing and motivating multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams for efficient operations.
• Skilled in maintaining positive employee relations and resolving conflicts.
• Proven record of achieving targets and delivering results.
• Familiar with Irish Local Authority structures and services, particularly related to planning, or capable of rapidly gaining such knowledge.
• Adept at engaging stakeholders, fostering cooperation, and building consensus among diverse groups.
• Experienced in stakeholder communication, including updates, presentations, and feedback integration.
• Contributor to operational and strategic planning and successful implementation of objectives.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and persuasive abilities.
• Knowledgeable about Health and Safety legislation and its application in workplace contexts.
• Strong report writing and ICT competencies.
• Customer-focused with commitment to service improvement and accountability.

Additional Information

The role operates within the legal framework ensuring equal opportunity and compliance with statutory regulations. The position offers a starting salary of €80,680. Applications close at 3pm on Thursday, 1st October 2026. Further details including the Capability Framework for the position are accessible from the employer.