Technical Director - Planning

About the Company and Role

SLR Consulting is an international environmental consultancy renowned for delivering tailored, high-quality services globally. Our purpose, "Making Sustainability Happen," is realized through a diverse team dedicated to tackling challenging sustainability issues. With over 1200 professionals across Asia Pacific, including New Zealand, we assist a wide array of clients from businesses to government bodies.

Amid the expansion of New Zealand's Renewable Energy Sector, especially the rising demand for expertise in onshore wind farms, we are establishing a new role: Technical Director – Planning. This position will concentrate on project management and obtaining consents for onshore wind farm developments under New Zealand’s Resource Management Act (RMA) and related legislation such as the Fast Track Approvals Act. The role involves leading project delivery, providing strategic and technical planning counsel grounded in renewables industry experience, and collaborating across regions within New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coordination, proposal creation, and RMA project management of complex, high-value onshore wind farm planning opportunities within the New Zealand framework, including Fast Track Approvals.
• Act as a trusted planning advisor to clients throughout consent processes, including navigating Fast Track Approvals.
• Manage client relationships as the primary contact, steering engagements from strategic planning to daily project activities.
• Oversee RMA project lifecycle management, ensuring timelines and budgets are met, coordinating internal technical specialists and external consultants.
• Foster a collaborative environment promoting knowledge sharing among SLR disciplines involved in renewable energy projects.
• Develop strong partnerships with clients, professionals, and internal teams across SLR.
• Support and pursue business development to advance the growth and performance of the company, teams, and personnel.
• Collaborate closely with senior management including the New Zealand Growth Director and Planning Practice leaders to manage resources and enhance technical capabilities on wind farm projects.
• Conduct technical and peer reviews of reports to maintain high-quality outputs.
• Stay current with industry trends by participating in technical forums and associations.

Skills and Experience

• Possess a professional qualification in resource management planning or a related degree.
• Hold or be progressing toward full membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Bring over 20 years of experience in planning and resource management.
• Demonstrate a successful history in the renewable energy sector, specifically managing complex onshore wind energy projects and navigating Fast Track Approvals while meeting financial objectives.
• Recognized as an expert in renewable energy resource management.
• Experienced in managing stakeholder engagement processes, including collaboration with mana whenua.
• Exhibit strong client relationship management capabilities.
• Have experience mentoring and coaching staff to support their professional development.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Possess strong commercial insight and the ability to support clients' business needs.
• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues alike.
• Manage time efficiently, handling multiple deliverables with competing deadlines.

Additional Information

Our company culture is unique and collaborative, focusing on team efforts that yield the best outcomes for clients. We promote flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse individual needs. Interviews are conducted with gender-diverse panels where possible; applicants are encouraged to share their pronouns and any required accommodations during the recruitment process. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment consultants will not be considered unless on our preferred supplier agreement list coordinated by our Talent Acquisition team.