Senior Planning Officer

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Planner to contribute to significant infrastructure projects such as NSIPs and Sizewell C. This hybrid role located in Ipswich offers a salary of £40,777-£47,054 per annum and flexible working options. Candidates should ideally have chartered status or be on the path to it, alongside substantial experience in managing NSIP projects. The successful applicant will be part of a dynamic team aimed at enhancing community and environmental outcomes.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Salary progression

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ideally a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards it.
• Significant experience dealing with NSIP projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex case load of NSIP work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Engage with developers and refine projects for optimization.
• Oversee all aspects of proposed developments from inception to post-commissioning.

Skills

Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience with NSIP projects

Confidence in engaging with stakeholders

Education

Relevant planning qualification

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council is inviting applications for two Senior Planner roles: NSIPs and Sizewell C. This is a modern, flexible and effective organisation committed to making a difference to the environment, communities and careers of our people. You’ll be encouraged to share fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve services and your career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Location: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX – Hybrid working. Salary: £40,777-£47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time). Hours: 37 hours per week with flexible working options. Contract: Fixed term or secondment for 2 years (funding).

Post 1: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Post 2: Sizewell C.

Applications are open until 11.30pm on 12 October 2025. DBS or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Your role and responsibilities

• As part of a multidisciplinary team contribute to the management of a complex case load of NSIP work
• Engage with developers in varied settings to help hone projects in order to make them the best they can be
• Engage with projects at home virtually, on site or in public examinations or in the office
• The Senior Planner NSIP role deals with all aspects of the proposed developments from inception to post-commissioning
• The Senior Planner Sizewell C role will be involved with one of the UK's largest construction projects

You will need

• to ideally be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards chartered status by one of the recognised routes
• significant experience of dealing with NSIP projects from a local authority perspective
• confidence when dealing with developers, fellow professionals, councillors and local communities

The full requirements are listed 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

• Suffolk County Council is recognised by the Government as a centre of excellence for NSIP knowledge. More information: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/major-infrastructure-projects-including-nsips/nsip-information/nsip-centre-of-excellence-information-for-local-authorities/nsips-centre-of-excellence-202324
• We run webinars and an annual conference for other local authorities and provide consultancy advice where appropriate
• Continuing professional development will be encouraged
• Individuals are encouraged to take on a high level of responsibility and thrive
• We expect you to work from the office for 40% of your time to aid good communication and attend site meetings

Empowering Everyone

We value potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We aim to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be, and to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation (as shown in our Workforce Equality Report).

For more information

Please contact Graham Gunby (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 264807 or emailing [e-mail]. For secondments, read the secondment policy and obtain permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

1. Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.
3. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question) using the Supporting Statement template. Questions: 1) What is your experience of NSIPs from a local authority perspective? 2) Give an example of how you have communicated complex planning advice to developers, councillors or local communities. 3) How have you supported the professional development of colleagues or junior team members?
4. 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 PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications and may reject AI-generated submissions. If you require adjustments to the process, contact our Recruitment Team at [e-mail] or 03456 014412. We will provide adjustments at subsequent stages if invited.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 October 2025.

We offer a wide variety of careers, flexible working options, and a range of benefits, including salary progression, pension, and development opportunities.