Technical Director - Planning

About the Role and Company

SLR Consulting, a globally recognised environmental consultancy with over 1200 employees in the Asia Pacific region, is dedicated to Making Sustainability Happen. They collaborate with clients to address complex sustainability challenges across various sectors. SLR fosters a ‘One Team Culture’ prioritizing diversity and teamwork to deliver exceptional results.

In response to growing demand in New Zealand's renewable energy sector, SLR is establishing a new Technical Director - Planning position. This role focuses on managing projects related to the Resource Management Act (RMA), especially consent acquisition for onshore wind farms throughout New Zealand. The successful candidate will lead onshore wind farm projects, provide strategic and technical planning advice grounded in renewable energy sector expertise, and manage multidisciplinary project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate proposal development and manage RMA projects for complex and high-value onshore wind farm initiatives within the New Zealand planning framework, including Fast Track Approvals Act compliance.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients covering all planning processes and Fast Track Approvals.
• Lead client engagements, maintain primary client relationships through project lifecycles, and support crucial client initiatives from strategic planning to daily operations.
• Oversee RMA project management to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery, including managing internal technical experts and external consultants.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange across SLR disciplines involved in renewable energy projects.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, professionals, and internal teams.
• Contribute to business development efforts to promote organizational growth and performance achievement.
• Collaborate closely with leadership including the New Zealand Growth Director and Planning Practice Manager to allocate resources and enhance technical capabilities in onshore wind projects.
• Conduct technical and peer reviews of reports related to project deliverables.
• Keep current with industry trends and best practices by engaging in technical forums and associations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Professional qualification in resource management planning or similar relevant degree.
• NZPI membership obtained or in progress.
• At least 20 years’ experience in planning and resource management, with a substantial background in the renewable energy sector.
• Documented success in securing and managing complex onshore wind energy projects, including navigating the Fast Track Approvals process and meeting financial goals.
• Established reputation as a subject matter expert in resource management for renewable energy.
• Experience managing stakeholder engagement processes, including working with mana whenua.
• Strong skills in building and maintaining client relationships.
• Proven track record mentoring and coaching staff to foster their professional growth.
• Competence in working within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Sound commercial awareness and ability to support client business needs.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to colleagues and clients.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple competing deadlines.

Benefits

SLR promotes a unique collaborative culture and supports flexible working arrangements recognizing individual needs. Their benefits package is designed to accommodate a diverse workforce.

Additional Information

Interviews are conducted with gender-diverse panels where possible. Applicants are encouraged to share preferred pronouns and any reasonable accommodation requests for interviews. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted unless coordinated through the Talent Acquisition team under the preferred supplier agreement.