Senior Town Planner

Overview

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd is a reputable engineering and environmental consultancy with over 90 years of experience, dedicated to sustainability and delivering innovative infrastructure solutions across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As a member of the global RSK Group, the company benefits from extensive resources while maintaining its autonomy. The Environment and Planning Department in Dublin is expanding due to increased project demand, focusing on sectors such as water services, renewables, ports, aviation, flooding, and climate resilience.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Senior Town Planner with at least five years of post-qualification experience in consultancy or the public sector. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive team, reporting to the Lead Planner, and will contribute to managing high-profile infrastructure projects in a variety of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the preparation and management of Local Authority (LA) and Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) planning applications, including pre-planning consultations and engagement with statutory bodies.
• Develop tailored planning strategies suited to project needs.
• Handle responses to Further Information Requests and ensure planning compliance submissions, including Article 9 reviews of exempted development.
• Oversee preparation and review of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), Appropriate Assessments (AA), and related environmental and planning documentation.
• Prepare planning appeal documents and respond to third-party appeals.
• Provide expert planning advice to engineering teams and clients.
• Ensure projects meet client expectations, managing day-to-day operations including fee proposals and invoicing.
• Liaise with statutory and non-statutory organizations, local authorities, government agencies, and An Coimisiún Pleanála.
• Manage subcontractors and consultants involved in projects.
• Mentor and oversee junior team members’ professional growth.
• Maintain quality assurance and adherence to professional standards for all project deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, attending meetings with clients and design teams.
• Prepare tender submissions and manage fee proposals.

Required Experience and Skills

• Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
• Chartered status or membership of IPI or RTPI.
• Profound, practical understanding of environmental laws, guidance, and standards relevant to infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience preparing and submitting planning applications and reports, as well as devising planning strategies across diverse projects.
• Strong background as an EIA practitioner and project manager, with significant Environmental Impact Assessment experience.
• Desirable experience in Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA).
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary projects.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities.
• Superior report writing and communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Proven competence in client relationship development and business growth.
• Effective leadership skills to manage teams under pressure.
• Self-motivated, pragmatic, solution-oriented with a flexible and collaborative approach, contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team.

About Nicholas O'Dwyer

Nicholas O'Dwyer delivers sustainable engineering, environmental, and planning services aimed at transforming communities positively. Operating both locally and internationally, it addresses challenges of infrastructure delivery while promoting sustainability for future generations. As part of the RSK Group, the company benefits from a vast network and a commitment to employee development and diversity. The company fosters an inclusive culture that supports innovation and collaboration, encouraging talented individuals to thrive and contribute toward a sustainable future.