Principal Transport Towns Planner

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for a Principal Transport Towns Planner to lead the highway improvement strategy. You will manage a dynamic 5-year programme of transport schemes, liaise with government bodies, and lead a team dedicated to improving sustainable transport across the region. The role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of transport policies, and the ability to work autonomously. This position offers various benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Wellbeing benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• A strong passion for promoting high standards of sustainable transport.
• Good understanding of transport policy and highway design.
• Ability to act autonomously on a range of issues.
• Capability to represent the team at various meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a 5-year rolling programme of transport schemes.
• Ensure alignment with local transport plans and sustainable policies.
• Lead a team of up to four staff, providing direction and support.
• Act as liaison with the Department for Transport and Active Travel England.

Skills

Passion for sustainable transport

Understanding of transport policy

Autonomy in decision making

Ability to represent team in meetings

Job description

Overview

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £48,163 - £58,850 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Principal Transport Towns Planner, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As the driving force behind Suffolk’s highway improvement strategy, you will develop and manage a dynamic 5-year rolling programme of schemes, ensuring alignment with our Local Transport Plan and sustainable transport policies. You’ll take ownership of the 15 area plans for Suffolk, maximising existing funding and proactively seeking new opportunities to secure additional funding. Leading a dedicated team of up to four staff, you’ll provide clear direction, conduct annual performance reviews, and ensure timely, high-quality consultation responses. As the lead liaison with the Department for Transport and Active Travel England, you’ll champion our projects, monitor progress, and provide insightful feedback to shape the future of transport across the county.

You will need

• passion for promoting high standards of sustainable transport by influencing a wide audience as to the benefits for the people of Suffolk
• a good level understanding of all aspects of transport policy and highway design that will enable to assess and comment on detailed transport assessments and studies to a wide range of stakeholders
• to be able to act with a high level of autonomy on a wide range of issues and only require guidance on particularly difficult or controversial issues
• to be capable of representing the team at meetings with internal and external organisations to provide expert advice in area of work, sometimes in challenging circumstances.

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 don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be part of a team that works together to provide comments on the suitability of new development in highway terms to local planning authorities. The Transport Planning Teams forms part of the Transport Strategy team, helping to deliver growth across Suffolk. These teams include, scheme development, ensuring all projects comply with relevant Suffolk County policies that support Suffolk’s growth ambitions. We also secure funding, and the delivery of new transport infrastructure and initiatives, including active travel.

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 (suffolk.gov.uk).

For more information

Please contact Carl Ashton (He/Him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 265923 or emailing [e-mail].

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 a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Describe a time when you managed a team to deliver a complex transport or infrastructure project. How did you ensure effective collaboration and what was the outcome?

2. Give an example of how you developed and implemented a transport plan or policy that supported sustainable growth or active travel. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

3. Tell us about a situation where you had to analyse complex transport data or assessments to inform decision-making. How did your analysis influence the project or policy?

4. Can you provide an example of when you worked with a variety of stakeholders, such as local authorities, councillors, or community groups, to deliver a transport scheme? How did you manage differing priorities?

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.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [e-mail] or 03456 014412.

You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 2 February 2026.

Interview date: 12 and 14 February 2026.

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).

Closing date and interview dates remain as listed above.

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.