Career Grade Planner

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Town Planner to support sustainable growth through planning applications and collaboration with various professionals. The role offers hybrid working and flexible hours with a salary ranging from £25,185 to £39,152 annually. Ideal candidates will possess a NVQ Level 3 qualification in planning or a related field and a commitment to community-focused growth.

Qualifications

• A desire to see environmental growth and community benefits.
• Strive for continuous improvement and personal development.
• Understanding of planning applications for minerals and waste.

Responsibilities

• Determine planning applications for various sites.
• Collaborate with planning team and other departments.
• Undertake site visits and meet with the public.

Skills

GIS

JAWS

Military Experience

Business Management

Emergency Management

Joint Operations

Production Planning

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

ERP Systems

Exercise Planning

MRP

Education

NVQ Level 3 qualification in planning or related field

Completed NVQ Level 4 qualification in planning

Degree in planning or related subjects

Job description

Description

Suffolk County Council

Address : Endeavour House Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2BX- Hybrid working

Salary : 25185- 39152 per annum (pro rata for part time) (Depending on what stage of the career grade you are on)

Hours : 37 hours per week - flexible working options available.

Contract : Permanent

Your role and responsibilities

You will be part of a small but busy team consisting of town planners and other specialists together with support staff. We are part of a wider group of professionals such as transport planners economic development officers and environmental specialists working together to support sustainable growth in Suffolk.

Day to day you will be determining planning applications for minerals (such as new quarries) waste sites (such as recycling centres) and the Councils own planning applications (such as new schools).

You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the planning team getting insights into shaping planning policies (through local plans) and monitoring and enforcement (such as prosecutions).

This role is not entirely office based and you will be able to frequently undertake site visits meet the general public and liaise with elected politicians.

Your career pathway

The Career Pathway Chart (pdf) is designed around the Royal Town Planning Institutes (RTPI) Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship which will advance your career to becoming a Chartered Town Planner will keep a log of your experience not only for the RTPIs Assessment of Professional Competence but also as evidence of progression to the next stage.

Your study time for the degree apprenticeship will be one day per week at London South Bank University.

You will need

All stages

• A desire to see growth take place in a way in which works for our environment and communities.
• To strive to continuously improve in everything that you do taking the initiative to learn and develop.

Stage 1 :

• An NVQ Level 3 qualification in planning or similar field (such as but not limited to Geography Environmental Science Law) or similar qualifications at level 3 is essential on appointment.

Stage 3 :

• Completed NVQ Level 4 qualification in planning such as Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship or similar qualification.

Stage 4 :

• Degree in planning environmental sciences geography urban design law government or related subjects.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) .If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The team is small but busy and has an increasingly diverse workload.

It is our goal to ensure that the development proposals submitted before us are considered sustainable and protect the environment but deliver growth to Suffolk.

We have a collaborative spirit and there will be opportunities to understand how other areas of the Council operate.

You are encouraged to attend the office as much as practical. Usually the busiest days for the team in the office are Tuesdays and Thursdays however we do undertake hybrid working.

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 Andy Rutter for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing .

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) .

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the appropriate stage for your circumstances in the Person Profile sectionof the JPP.

• You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word) .
• Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.

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 or calling . 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 23 November 2025.

Interview date : 28 November 2025.

Key Skills

• GIS
• JAWS
• Military Experience
• Business Management
• Emergency Management
• Joint Operations
• Production Planning
• Relationship Management
• Strategic Planning
• ERP Systems
• Exercise Planning
• MRP

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

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary Salary : 25185 - 39152