Principal Strategic Transport Planner
| Posting date: | 22 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,670 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 11 June 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19394 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- £ 46,670 - £57,025 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week- Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Imagine a career where your ideas shape the future of regional transport, your work directly influences national investment, and your growth is supported every step of the way. That’s what we offer at Transport East. As our new Principal Strategic Transport Planner, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and delivering strategic transport policy across one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions. You’ll collaborate with senior stakeholders across government and local authorities, lead the commissioning of technical work, and help shape the long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive, and decarbonised transport.
Join a dynamic and motivated team where creativity and innovation are encouraged, and where your expertise will help reimagine how transport can transform lives and places across our region.
Your role and responsibilities
As a key member of the Transport East team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term strategic direction of transport strategy within the region. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Developing and Delivering Strategic Transport and Policy: working with strategic policy managers to develop and deliver strategic transport and policy initiatives for the Transport East region
- Best Practice: Understanding best practice and developing these into plans and strategies for the Transport East region, to inform future national investment
- Engaging and Collaborating: Regular engagement and collaboration with senior-level stakeholders, including Government departments, regional Local Transport Authorities, District Councils, and Sub-national Transport Bodies (STBs)
- Commissioning Professional Advice: Within the framework of the overarching Transport Strategy, commission professional advice to support our work, this will include technical analysis through to strategy implementation plans
- Managing Commissioned Work: Ensure that commissioned work is managed within agreed programmes and budgets.
You will need
- Level 7 (postgraduate plus experience) or equivalent experience
- Incorporated or Chartered Engineer or Planner or equivalent experience and knowledge
- Substantial relevant experience in the technical field or related professional field
- Excellent technical and professional knowledge, with an understanding of wider policy connections at both national and local levels
- Experience of partnership working and of establishing, maintaining and developing effective working relationships at all levels across partner organisations
- Commitment to the promotion of sustainable transport for all.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Transport East is an independent partnership of local authorities and other bodies, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend and Thurrock. As one of seven Sub-national Transport Bodies in England, our role is to speak with a single voice on the region’s transport strategy and investment priorities. The Transport East region is of huge importance to the UK. It is home to 3.5 million people and 1.7 million jobs. With a vibrant economy worth £73 billion, it is already one of the fastest growing regions in the UK outside of London.
We operate in a high energy and professional environment: creativity and innovative thought are encouraged and allows the team to develop their own capabilities and ambitions.
The staff of Transport East are hosted by Suffolk County Council, on behalf of the wider partnership.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Suzanne Buck for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260443 or emailing suzanne.buck@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1 . Can you describe a time when you developed and delivered a strategic transport or policy initiative? What was your approach, how did you engage stakeholders and what were the outcomes?
2. How do you ensure that your strategic transport plans align with both national and local policy frameworks? Can you provide an example where you introduced innovative thinking to address a complex challenge?
3. Tell me about a situation where you collaborated with senior-level stakeholders, such as Government departments, national agencies, or local authorities. How did you manage these relationships, and what was the result?
4. Explain a complex transport-related problem you have encountered. How did you analyse the problem, develop a strategic solution, and anticipate potential issues?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 June 2025.
Interview date: Week commencing 23 June 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £ 46,670 - £57,025 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week- Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Imagine a career where your ideas shape the future of regional transport, your work directly influences national investment, and your growth is supported every step of the way. That’s what we offer at Transport East. As our new Principal Strategic Transport Planner, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and delivering strategic transport policy across one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions. You’ll collaborate with senior stakeholders across government and local authorities, lead the commissioning of technical work, and help shape the long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive, and decarbonised transport.
Join a dynamic and motivated team where creativity and innovation are encouraged, and where your expertise will help reimagine how transport can transform lives and places across our region.
Your role and responsibilities
As a key member of the Transport East team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term strategic direction of transport strategy within the region. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Developing and Delivering Strategic Transport and Policy: working with strategic policy managers to develop and deliver strategic transport and policy initiatives for the Transport East region
- Best Practice: Understanding best practice and developing these into plans and strategies for the Transport East region, to inform future national investment
- Engaging and Collaborating: Regular engagement and collaboration with senior-level stakeholders, including Government departments, regional Local Transport Authorities, District Councils, and Sub-national Transport Bodies (STBs)
- Commissioning Professional Advice: Within the framework of the overarching Transport Strategy, commission professional advice to support our work, this will include technical analysis through to strategy implementation plans
- Managing Commissioned Work: Ensure that commissioned work is managed within agreed programmes and budgets.
You will need
- Level 7 (postgraduate plus experience) or equivalent experience
- Incorporated or Chartered Engineer or Planner or equivalent experience and knowledge
- Substantial relevant experience in the technical field or related professional field
- Excellent technical and professional knowledge, with an understanding of wider policy connections at both national and local levels
- Experience of partnership working and of establishing, maintaining and developing effective working relationships at all levels across partner organisations
- Commitment to the promotion of sustainable transport for all.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Transport East is an independent partnership of local authorities and other bodies, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend and Thurrock. As one of seven Sub-national Transport Bodies in England, our role is to speak with a single voice on the region’s transport strategy and investment priorities. The Transport East region is of huge importance to the UK. It is home to 3.5 million people and 1.7 million jobs. With a vibrant economy worth £73 billion, it is already one of the fastest growing regions in the UK outside of London.
We operate in a high energy and professional environment: creativity and innovative thought are encouraged and allows the team to develop their own capabilities and ambitions.
The staff of Transport East are hosted by Suffolk County Council, on behalf of the wider partnership.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Suzanne Buck for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260443 or emailing suzanne.buck@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1 . Can you describe a time when you developed and delivered a strategic transport or policy initiative? What was your approach, how did you engage stakeholders and what were the outcomes?
2. How do you ensure that your strategic transport plans align with both national and local policy frameworks? Can you provide an example where you introduced innovative thinking to address a complex challenge?
3. Tell me about a situation where you collaborated with senior-level stakeholders, such as Government departments, national agencies, or local authorities. How did you manage these relationships, and what was the result?
4. Explain a complex transport-related problem you have encountered. How did you analyse the problem, develop a strategic solution, and anticipate potential issues?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 June 2025.
Interview date: Week commencing 23 June 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.