Principal Strategic Transport Planner

ZipRecruiter; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Principal Strategic Transport Planner in Ipswich to develop strategic transport policy. This full-time, permanent role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to influence investment and transport transformation in a growing region.

Qualifications

• Substantial relevant experience in the technical field or related professional field.
• Excellent technical and professional knowledge.
• Experience of partnership working.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering strategic transport and policy initiatives.
• Managing commissioned work within agreed programmes and budgets.
• Engaging with senior stakeholders across various levels.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Collaboration

Sustainability commitment

Education

Level 7 (postgraduate)

Incorporated or Chartered Engineer or Planner

Job description

Job Description

Suffolk County Council is looking to recruit a Principal Strategic Transport Planner to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £46,670 - £57,025 per annum (pro-rata for part-time). Imagine a career where your ideas shape the future of regional transport, your work directly influences 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:

1. 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.
2. Best Practice: understanding best practice and developing these into plans and strategies for the Transport East region, to inform future investment.
3. Engaging and Collaborating: regular engagement and collaboration with senior-level stakeholders, including Government departments, regional Local Transport Authorities, District Councils, and Sub-Transport Bodies (STBs).
4. Commissioning Professional Advice: within the framework of the overarching Transport Strategy, commissioning professional advice to support our work, including technical analysis through to strategy implementation plans.
5. Managing Commissioned Work: ensuring 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 regional 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.

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-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, 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 London. We operate in a high-energy and professional environment: creativity and innovative thought are encouraged and allow 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.

Our values

We believe in potential, possibility, and the power of different ideas. We’re committed to encouraging, respecting, and enabling everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to represent the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in our organization, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 June 2025.

Interview date: Week commencing 23 June 2025.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Principal Strategic Transport Planner role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply.

We appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid