Technical Director - Planning

About the Role and Company

SLR Consulting is an internationally recognized environmental consultancy dedicated to driving sustainability worldwide by partnering with clients on complex environmental challenges. Employing over 1200 experts across the Asia Pacific, SLR offers tailored advice on diverse strategic and site-specific issues to a broad range of business, government, and regulatory clients. Their culture values diversity and teamwork to deliver excellent outcomes.

Due to growth in New Zealand's renewable energy sector and increased client demand for wind energy expertise, SLR is establishing a new role: Technical Director – Planning. This position centers on Resource Management Act (RMA) project management and consent acquisition for onshore wind farms across New Zealand, leading projects and delivering strategic and technical planning advice to renewable energy clients. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams within SLR and external professionals is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination, proposal development, and RMA project management for complex and high-value onshore wind farm projects under New Zealand's planning framework, including Fast Track Approvals Act compliance.
• Serve as a trusted consultant for clients, guiding them through the planning process and Fast Track Approvals requirements.
• Manage client relationships, maintaining primary ownership throughout project lifecycles and support key client initiatives from strategy to daily operations.
• Oversee project management of onshore wind farm consent processes, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets while supervising internal specialists and external consultants.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange within SLR’s renewable energy disciplines.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to enhance company growth and performance.
• Collaborate with leadership, including the Growth Director and Practice Managers, to manage resources and develop technical expertise within the team.
• Conduct technical and peer reviews of project reports.
• Stay informed on industry trends, participating in professional associations and forums.

Skills and Experience

• Professional qualification in resource management planning or related field.
• Achieved or progressing toward full membership in the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Over 20 years of experience in planning and resource management.
• Proven success managing and securing complex onshore wind energy projects, including through the Fast Track Approvals process, and meeting financial goals.
• Recognized expertise within the resource management and renewable energy sector.
• Experience managing stakeholder engagement processes, including consultation with mana whenua.
• Strong capabilities in client relationship management.
• Mentorship and coaching experience to support staff development.
• Proficient working within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to support diverse client needs.
• Excellent communication skills with both colleagues and clients.
• Effective time management managing multiple competing priorities.

Benefits and Culture

SLR promotes a collaborative culture with flexible working arrangements tailored to individual needs and comprehensive benefits to support all employees.

Additional Information

Hiring decisions focus on your expertise, skills, and enthusiasm. Interviews are conducted with gender-diverse panels where possible. Applicants are encouraged to share their pronouns and any accommodation needs for interviews.

Recruitment agencies must adhere to SLR's preferred supplier agreement; unsolicited resumes will not be considered.