Senior Planning Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to manage Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). This role involves engaging with developers, communities, and managing complex case loads. Candidates should ideally have relevant planning qualifications and significant experience in handling NSIP projects, with flexible working options available.

Qualifications

• Experience dealing with NSIP projects from a local authority perspective.
• Ability to engage with developers and local communities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex case load of NSIP work.
• Engage with developers to hone projects.
• Involve in 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 communication

Education

Relevant planning qualification

Job description

Senior Planning Officer

Salary: £40,777-£47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available

Contract: Fixed term or secondment for 2 years (funding)

Post 1: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP's)

Post 2: Sizewell C

Reference: 20724

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 Senior Planner (NSIP's) or Senior Planner (Sizewell C), 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.

You r o l e a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

• As part of a multidisciplinary team contribute to the management of a complex case load of NSIP work (https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/major-infrastructure-projects-including-nsips)
• 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 with deals with all aspects of the proposed developments from inception to post-commissioning
• The Senior Planner Sizewell C role will be involved with the 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.

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

• Suffolk County Council is recognised by the Government as a centre of excellence for NISP knowledge. Please click on the link for further 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
• Besides running webinars and an annual conference for other local authorities, Suffolk County council has also provided advice on a consultancy basis.
• You will join a team where continuing professional development will be encouraged.
• Individuals are allowed to take on a high level of responsibility and thrive as a result.
• Our expectation is that you work from the office for 40% of your time to aid good communication with the team and you will also be attending site meetings.

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.

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].

How to apply

To apply and for further details, please click on the 'apply button'

Closing date

Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 October 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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are also committed to flexible working.

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.