Technical Director - Planning

About the Company and Role

SLR Consulting is a global environmental consultancy renowned for delivering tailored, high-quality services with more than 1200 professionals across Asia Pacific. Our commitment is to create sustainability by solving complex challenges through expert collaboration in a One Team Culture that values diverse perspectives. We are expanding due to growth in New Zealand's renewable energy sector and seek a Technical Director - Planning with expertise in onshore wind farm development under the New Zealand planning framework.

Role Overview

This role focuses on leading the resource management planning and consents for onshore wind farms, including managing RMA project lifecycles and navigating the Fast Track Approvals Act. You will lead multidisciplinary teams across New Zealand locations, providing strategic and technical guidance to renewable energy clients and managing client relationships throughout projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage coordination, proposals, and full RMA project delivery for technically complex onshore wind farm developments within New Zealand’s planning system.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on all planning aspects, including compliance with Fast Track Approvals processes.
• Lead client engagements, maintaining primary accountability for relationships from initial strategy through ongoing project activities.
• Oversee project budgets and timelines, managing internal specialists and external consultants to ensure successful consent outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative culture that encourages knowledge sharing across SLR’s renewable energy disciplines.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with clients, professionals, and internal teams across SLR.
• Identify and cultivate business development opportunities to promote growth for the company, teams, and individuals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership in resource planning and skill development for wind farm project delivery.
• Conduct technical reviews and peer evaluations of project reports.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, participate in professional forums and technical associations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Professional qualification in resource management planning or a related discipline.
• Current or pursuing full membership with New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• At least 20 years of experience in planning and resource management.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex onshore wind energy projects, including experience navigating the Fast Track Approvals process.
• Established reputation as an expert in the renewable energy resource management sector.
• Proven skills leading stakeholder engagement, including interactions with mana whenua communities.
• Strong client relationship management and mentoring capabilities to support team development.
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commercially astute with a solid understanding of client business needs.
• Excellent communication skills combined with strong time management, capable of handling simultaneous priorities.

Benefits and Work Culture

SLR fosters a supportive, collaborative culture aiming to provide the best outcomes for clients. Flexible work arrangements are embraced to accommodate individual needs and preferences. Additional benefits are available to meet diverse employee requirements.

Recruitment Process

Hiring will be based on your relevant experience, skills, and passion. The interview process includes diverse panels where possible to ensure equity. Applicants are encouraged to share preferred pronouns and any accessibility needs for the interviews. Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies outside the preferred supplier agreement will not be considered.