Principal Planning Policy Officer

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 45,091 - 52,413; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Principal Planning Policy Officer to lead planning policy matters and engage with the community. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant discipline and spatial planning experience. This position offers a salary of £45,091–£52,413 per annum, with flexible working arrangements available.

Qualifications

• Significant spatial planning policy experience required.
• Experience in procuring and managing external consultants.
• Extensive knowledge of Local Government practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning policy matters within the Joint Local Plan Review.
• Manage external consultants on evidence base and appraisal.
• Engage with the community and support development plans.

Skills

Spatial planning policy experience

Excellent communication skills

Strong project management skills

Good IT skills with Microsoft products

Education

Degree-level education in an appropriate discipline

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Job description

Principal Planning Policy Officer

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils

Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX

Salary: £45,091–£52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement, pro‑rata for part‑time)

Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

This role is open to full‑time, part‑time, and job‑share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.

About the Role

The Principal Planning Policy Officer will lead on a range of planning policy matters within the Joint Local Plan Review, shaping communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the future.

• Major and strategic site allocation
• Managing external consultants on evidence base and appraisal development
• Providing expert planning policy advice
• Mentoring members of the planning team
• Working collaboratively across the two councils and with external partners (councillors, local authorities, Suffolk County Council, infrastructure providers)
• Engagement with the community and support for neighbourhood development plans
• Supporting the delivery of the councils’ corporate objectives

About You

We are looking for a motivated planner with the following background and skills:

• Degree‑level education in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience
• Desirable membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
• Extensive knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures
• Experience procuring and managing external consultants and a solid understanding of the plan‑making process
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products

About Us

We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are known for collaborative partnership working across public, private, and voluntary sectors.

• 60 conservation areas
• Two National Landscapes
• Many picturesque market towns

We are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 after 5 years)
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programs
• Private Health Care Options
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Paid volunteering days
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (subject to business needs)
• Great learning and development opportunities

Ways of Working

We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based on business need. This arrangement supports flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.

Contact

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact

• Robert Hobbs – Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
• Caileigh Gorzelak – Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail]

Application Process

Step 1 – Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.

Step 2 – Complete the Supporting Statement template.

Step 3 – Complete the online application and upload your statement.

Your statement must:

• Show how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification
• Be no more than 2 sides of A4
• Use the provided template (other formats will not be accepted)

The application will be reviewed through the week beginning 12 January 2026. Closing Date: 5.00 PM, Tuesday, 06 January 2026.

Safeguarding Statement

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.