Senior Planner

TOBIN is seeking a Senior Planner to join our growing Environment & Planning Division in Dublin / Castlebar / Galway / Limerick / Sligo (location flexible with hybrid working options).

This is a great opportunity for an experienced and motivated professional to contribute to a diverse range of planning projects across multiple sectors. The role involves preparing and managing planning applications, handling appeals, conducting feasibility studies, and supporting the junior planning team — all while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team on projects that shape communities and support sustainable development.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of the Irish planning system, gained in either the public or private sector. The ideal candidate will be a Corporate Member of the IPI or Chartered Member of the RTPI (or working towards accreditation), and will bring excellent communication and writing skills, along with a passion for delivering high-quality planning solutions in a fast-paced environment.

In return, we offer a competitive remuneration package and strong career development prospects within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary consultancy.

• Prepare and review planning reports and applications.
• Review reports, figures, and drawings prepared by team members across planning, engineering, and environmental disciplines.
• Validate and sign off on planning application content, including forms, notices, and drawings.
• Prepare and review EIAR chapters and Planning & Environmental Consideration Reports (PECRs).
• Provide strategic planning leadership and direction on sectoral and project-specific planning matters.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and guidance, offering solution-based planning risk management.
• Liaise with clients (internal and external) to deliver high-quality planning advice, reports, and outputs.
• Collaborate with legal teams to support documentation for planning court proceedings, including judicial reviews.
• Represent clients in meetings with planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, including pre-application consultations.
• Engage with stakeholders such as the public, statutory consultees, and government departments (e.g., NPWS, IFI, TII).
• Coordinate with peer reviewers, legal teams, and clients to finalise deliverables to the required standard.
• Attend Oral Hearings as an Expert Witness and participate in public consultation events.
• Contribute to tender responses, including pricing and technical input.
• Understand and manage project timelines and objectives.
• Lead project teams to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery.
• Mentor and support junior planning staff.
• Participate in business development activities to promote TOBIN’s planning services.
• Maintain and grow client relationships.
• Stay current with legislative changes, case law, and industry innovations.
• Ensure compliance with and contribute to the development of quality assurance procedures.
• Actively promote TOBIN’s planning services and support company growth.

• At least 8 years’ experience in a similar planning role.
• Currently working towards, or already holds, Corporate Membership of the IPI or Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Ability to take initiative and make informed decisions.
• Skilled in conflict mediation and consensus-building in planning contexts.
• Experience guiding sustainable projects through the planning process.
• Collaborative mindset with engineers and scientists to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Teams, Microsoft Project, and other relevant software.
• Ability to identify, manage, and advise on planning risks.