Senior Planning Officer (Infrastructure)
| Posting date: | 03 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,513 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 16 June 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19297 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- £39,513 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Senior Planning Officer, you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
We are looking for a Chartered Town Planner or a Chartered Surveyor who is interested in securing funding for infrastructure to deliver essential services to our communities.
You'll make a significant input to Suffolk County Council's (SCC) planning team helping to secure and report on developer contributions towards infrastructure through engagement at various stages of the planning process, particularly through the Community Infrastructure Levy and planning obligations. There will be opportunities to work with different aspects of planning across the team, to represent the council at inquiries and examinations, and to contribute to delivery of the council's own developments.
Your responsibilities will include
- negotiating and securing developer contributions for infrastructure
- advising the public, councillors and colleagues on our infrastructure policy
- attending public inquiries and examinations
- providing planning advice and support for corporate development projects and other initiatives
- mentoring and coaching the members of the team in their professional development.
You will need
- to be a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) or Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) or have a degree in a development-related subject and eligibility for membership of a relevant professional organisation
- experience of dealing with complex and contentious proposals and of preparing reports for committees and/or inquiries
- effective communication and negotiation skills
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
You will be part of a small and busy team of planners and other professionals working on a diverse range of projects. We are a very supportive team who will enable your personal and professional development, through on-to-one support, staff networks and a range of learning and personal growth opportunities. We are responsible for ensuring new development meets the county's infrastructure needs, supporting district and borough councils on strategic planning issues, interacting with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects for minerals and waste planning policy, planning applications for the council's own development and providing planning support for SCC development projects.
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
For more information
Please contact Neil McManus (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 07973 640625 or emailing neil.mcmanus@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. Tell us about a time you worked with internal departments or external partners to deliver a shared planning objective. What was your role and how did you ensure success?
2. How have you managed a caseload of planning applications with varying complexity and deadlines? What tools or strategies did you use to stay organised?
3. Give an example of a time you identified a need to improve a planning process or policy. How did you justify the change and implement it?
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, 16 June 2025.
Interview date: 26 June 2025.
Promoted as JOTW (Job Of The Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct
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).
- £39,513 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Senior Planning Officer, you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
We are looking for a Chartered Town Planner or a Chartered Surveyor who is interested in securing funding for infrastructure to deliver essential services to our communities.
You'll make a significant input to Suffolk County Council's (SCC) planning team helping to secure and report on developer contributions towards infrastructure through engagement at various stages of the planning process, particularly through the Community Infrastructure Levy and planning obligations. There will be opportunities to work with different aspects of planning across the team, to represent the council at inquiries and examinations, and to contribute to delivery of the council's own developments.
Your responsibilities will include
- negotiating and securing developer contributions for infrastructure
- advising the public, councillors and colleagues on our infrastructure policy
- attending public inquiries and examinations
- providing planning advice and support for corporate development projects and other initiatives
- mentoring and coaching the members of the team in their professional development.
You will need
- to be a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) or Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) or have a degree in a development-related subject and eligibility for membership of a relevant professional organisation
- experience of dealing with complex and contentious proposals and of preparing reports for committees and/or inquiries
- effective communication and negotiation skills
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
You will be part of a small and busy team of planners and other professionals working on a diverse range of projects. We are a very supportive team who will enable your personal and professional development, through on-to-one support, staff networks and a range of learning and personal growth opportunities. We are responsible for ensuring new development meets the county's infrastructure needs, supporting district and borough councils on strategic planning issues, interacting with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects for minerals and waste planning policy, planning applications for the council's own development and providing planning support for SCC development projects.
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
For more information
Please contact Neil McManus (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 07973 640625 or emailing neil.mcmanus@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. Tell us about a time you worked with internal departments or external partners to deliver a shared planning objective. What was your role and how did you ensure success?
2. How have you managed a caseload of planning applications with varying complexity and deadlines? What tools or strategies did you use to stay organised?
3. Give an example of a time you identified a need to improve a planning process or policy. How did you justify the change and implement it?
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, 16 June 2025.
Interview date: 26 June 2025.
Promoted as JOTW (Job Of The Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct
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.