Head of Emergency Planning

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Head of Emergency Planning to lead the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit. This role involves managing emergency preparedness and business continuity efforts across Suffolk local authorities. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in emergency management, and excellent communication abilities. This position offers a hybrid working model, with salary ranging from £72,329 to £81,708. Applications are open until 7 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in emergency management or crisis leadership at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of emergency planning and business continuity.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to advise senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans and policies.
• Manage the JEPU team and resources to ensure efficient operations.
• Build relationships with senior leaders and partner agencies.

Skills

Emergency management

Crisis leadership

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Change management

Job description

Head of Emergency Planning – Suffolk County Council

Location: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX – Hybrid working

Salary: £72,329 – £81,708 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) plus stand‑by allowance

Hours: 37 hours per week – flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

Description: We are looking for an exceptional leader to become Head of the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit (JEPU). This pivotal and unique role will lead our county‑wide approach to emergency preparedness and business continuity, working with all Suffolk local authorities and key partners in the Suffolk Resilience Forum to ensure communities are protected, prepared and able to recover quickly from major incidents.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans, processes, procedures, policies and management structures to secure local authority resilience, emergency preparedness and business continuity.
• Manage the JEPU team, resources, budgets, delivery and reporting, ensuring efficient and imaginative operation to maintain and improve joint service levels.
• Provide advice and guidance on local authority resilience issues at all levels of local government and to Suffolk Resilience partners.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders, partner agencies and the wider community, communicating clearly and confidently in all situations.
• Champion equality, inclusion and professional development across the team, promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of organisational resilience, supporting change and innovation across local authorities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in emergency management, resilience or crisis leadership at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of emergency planning, business continuity and risk management concepts and theories.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and partners.
• Exceptional organisational and leadership skills with demonstrable experience managing complex workloads, people, budgets and projects.
• Experience in change management and developing policies and structures that embed resilience across services.
• Commitment to Suffolk County Council’s WE ASPIRE values.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).

The Team

The JEPU was formed in 2005 between all Suffolk local authorities to provide an emergency planning and business continuity planning service. The team acts as a focal point for civil emergency preparedness within Suffolk councils and provides a 24/7 out‑of‑hours duty service and initial emergency management capability.

As a senior manager you will work from Endeavour House in Ipswich or other Suffolk local authority offices for a minimum of 3 days per week.

Empowering Everyone

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently under‑represented. We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas, and we want to represent the diverse communities we serve.

How to Apply

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

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

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template:

• Describe your experience leading or supporting emergency management, resilience or crisis response at a senior level. How did you apply your understanding to deliver effective outcomes?
• Give an example of when you advised senior leaders or partners during a major incident. What advice did you provide and how did it shape strategic decisions?
• Tell us about a change or improvement you led that strengthened organisational resilience or business continuity. What was the outcome?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV or supporting statement your application will not be progressed. All supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

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 email or phone. 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, 7 December 2025.

Interview date: 14 January 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