Principal Planner - Dunedin

About the business and the role Do you believe you can make the world a better place? SLR Consulting is a global multi-disciplinary consultancy centred on environment & sustainability and operates across more than 120 countries. Our purpose is Making Sustainability Happen, which we achieve by having a team of experts who partner with our clients to tackle some of the world’s most complex sustainability challenges. We are looking for a Principal Planner to join our Southern Planning team which extends across our Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin offices. Based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, you'll have the autonomy to influence projects of regional significance, while being supported by a national team of 60 planning professionals. Ōtepoti Dunedin offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle. With easy access to world‑class outdoor recreation, a vibrant cultural scene and strong sense of community, it is an ideal location for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact whilst maintaining work‑life balance. In this role, you'll lead complex planning and policy projects, work alongside some of New Zealand's leading environmental specialists, and help grow our presence across local government, infrastructure, renewables, and development sectors. Key responsibilities Project Leadership – Lead complex planning, policy, and consenting projects across a diverse client portfolio. Client Growth – Develop trusted advisor relationships and identify opportunities to expand SLR's presence across key sectors. Technical Excellence – Provide high‑level planning expertise and strategic advice to clients and project teams. People Leadership – Mentor and develop planners across the Southern region and wider national team. Quality Assurance – Undertake technical reviews and ensure consistently high standards of project delivery. Collaboration – Work closely with SLR's multidisciplinary specialists to deliver integrated solutions for clients. About you You are an experienced planning professional who combines technical excellence with strong commercial and relationship‑building capability. You enjoy leading complex projects, mentoring others, and helping clients navigate challenging planning environments. Qualifications A qualification in Resource Management Planning or another relevant discipline. Full NZPI membership, or the ability to achieve it. Approximately 8+ years of NZ planning experience within consultancy, local government, or a related environment. Demonstrated experience leading complex planning, policy, and/or consenting projects. Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams. A commercial mindset and ability to identify new opportunities. A collaborative and supportive leadership style. Benefits SLR supports flexible working arrangements as we recognise that every person is different, and our benefits aim to ensure that we cater for all. Our unique culture encourages collaboration on projects to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients, and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support work‑life balance. #J-18808-Ljbffr