Technical Director - Planning

About the Company and Role

SLR Consulting is a globally recognized environmental consultancy, dedicated to Making Sustainability Happen by addressing complex sustainability challenges through expert collaboration. Employing over 1200 professionals across Asia Pacific, SLR delivers tailored environmental consultancy services for a broad range of business, regulatory, and governmental clients. The company fosters a One Team Culture that values diversity of thought and expression, empowering teams to achieve outstanding results.

This newly created Technical Director – Planning role stems from growth in New Zealand's Renewable Energy Sector, specifically addressing the increasing demand for wind energy expertise. The position focuses primarily on Resource Management Act (RMA) project management and consent acquisition for onshore wind farms nationwide, leading multi-disciplinary project delivery and providing strategic and technical planning support to clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and proposal preparation within the Planning practice for complex, high-value onshore wind farm projects under the New Zealand planning framework, including the Fast Track Approvals Act.
• Serve as a trusted adviser to clients concerning all planning aspects, with an emphasis on Fast Track Approvals.
• Manage client engagements end-to-end, maintaining primary responsibility for relationships and supporting key strategic and operational initiatives.
• Oversee RMA project management to ensure projects meet timelines and budget requirements, including leading internal technical specialists and external consultants within SLR.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among multidisciplinary teams involved in renewable energy delivery.
• Develop strong partnerships with clients, professionals, and internal teams across SLR.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to promote growth of the teams and the firm, aligning with performance goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to manage resources and expand technical capabilities across onshore wind projects.
• Perform technical and peer reviews of reports to maintain high-quality deliverables.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices by engaging in technical associations and forums.

Required Skills and Experience

• Possession of a professional qualification in resource management planning or a related degree.
• Full membership or candidacy with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Over 20 years of experience in planning and resource management.
• Demonstrated success in the renewable energy sector, including securing and managing complex onshore wind projects and navigating Fast Track Approvals.
• Recognized as an authoritative expert within the resource management and renewable energy fields.
• Experienced in managing stakeholder engagement, including with mana whenua communities.
• Strong relationship management skills with clients.
• Proven mentor and coach capable of fostering professional growth within teams.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Sound commercial awareness with the ability to support client business needs.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, capable of juggling multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits and Culture

SLR is proud of its collaborative culture where teamwork drives client success. Flexible working arrangements are supported to accommodate diverse personal needs and promote work-life balance. A comprehensive benefits package is available to all employees.

Diversity and Inclusion

The recruitment process is designed to be inclusive, featuring gender-diverse interview panels where possible. Applicants are encouraged to share their pronouns and any accommodations required for interviews.

Additional Information

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted; only applicants from preferred supplier lists managed by the Talent Acquisition team will be considered.