Technical Director - Planning

About the Company and Role

SLR Consulting is a global environmental consultancy renowned for delivering tailored, high-quality services focused on sustainability challenges worldwide. With over 1200 employees across the Asia Pacific region, SLR champions a "One Team Culture," embracing diverse perspectives to achieve outstanding outcomes for business, regulatory, and government clients.

Responding to the expanding New Zealand Renewable Energy market and rising demand for wind energy expertise, this new role of Technical Director - Planning will specialize in managing RMA projects and securing consents for onshore wind farms across New Zealand. This leadership position involves delivering strategic and technical advice grounded in sector experience while spearheading multidisciplinary wind energy projects in collaboration with teams across SLR and external professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prepare proposals along with managing RMA projects for technically complex and strategic onshore wind farm initiatives under the New Zealand planning framework, including the Fast Track Approvals Act.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them through all phases of planning and Fast Track Approval processes.
• Lead client relationships throughout the lifecycle of projects and support key client initiatives from strategic to operational levels.
• Manage onshore wind farm projects to ensure timely delivery within budget, including overseeing internal technical specialists and external consultancy teams.
• Foster a collaborative environment and encourage knowledge sharing among renewable energy project disciplines across SLR.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with clients, professionals, and internal teams.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to support growth and meet performance targets.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to manage resources and enhance technical capabilities on wind farm projects.
• Conduct technical and peer reviews on project reports to ensure quality.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and participate in relevant professional forums and associations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Holds a professional qualification in resource management planning or a related degree.
• Either holds or is progressing towards full membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Brings over 20 years of experience in planning and resource management.
• Demonstrated success in the renewable energy sector, especially managing complex onshore wind energy projects and navigating the Fast Track Approvals process to meet financial goals.
• Recognized as an expert within the resource management and renewable energy field.
• Experienced in managing stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with mana whenua groups.
• Exemplifies excellent client relationship management skills.
• Proven mentoring and coaching capabilities to foster staff development.
• Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Possesses strong commercial insight and the ability to support clients effectively.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with both colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Additional Information and Benefits

SLR prides itself on a distinctive, team-oriented culture emphasizing collaboration to deliver optimal results for clients. The company supports flexible work arrangements, recognizing individual needs and providing a broad range of benefits to promote employee well-being.

Hiring decisions are based on experience, skills, and enthusiasm. Interviews feature diverse gender panels whenever feasible. Applicants are encouraged to share pronouns and any accommodation needs for the interview process. Recruitment consultant submissions are not accepted unless coordinated through SLR's Talent Acquisition preferred supplier agreement.