Senior Planning Policy Officer

Suffolk Advertising; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A county council in England is seeking a self-motivated Senior Planning Policy Officer to assist in the preparation and delivery of Local Plans. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, preparing supplementary documents, and liaising with various bodies to support planning policies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in planning or a related subject, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage tight deadlines effectively. The position offers flexible working options and generous leave entitlements.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave entitlement of 25 days

Flexible working options

Employee benefits package

Health and Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Up to date knowledge of planning legislation.
• Eligibility for RTPI membership.
• Ability to manage time and workloads effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of the Local Plan.
• Liaise with stakeholders and outside bodies.
• Prepare supplementary planning documents and masterplans.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

IT proficiency

Teamwork

Education

Degree in planning or a related subject

Job description

Planning is about making the best use of land and creating places where people want to live, work and play. Through the preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, significantly contributes towards our corporate priorities and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. We are a council with a good track record of delivering Local Plans, have recently adopted a Local Plan and are now working on a new Local Plan in the context of the Government's recent reforms to plan‑making. The team includes Ecology, Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers. The professional expertise in the wider service and Council makes it a great place to work and provides opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.

We are seeking a highly self‑motivated and enthusiastic Senior Planning Policy Officer to join our strategic planning service. The role will undertake a variety of tasks: assisting in the preparation of the Local Plan, delivery of the adopted Local Plan, supporting the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans and the preparation of supplementary planning documents and masterplans. Part of the role also involves liaising with outside bodies, stakeholders, interested individuals, expert bodies and statutory consultees in the preparation of the policy framework, attending and presenting papers to Working Groups, Cabinet and Portfolio Holders as required.

Qualifications

• Up to date knowledge of planning legislation.
• A degree in planning or a related subject and eligibility for RTPI membership.
• Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficient in using IT and Microsoft.
• Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining focused, calm and professional.
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge.

Benefits

• West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action (Climate Scorecards 2023) and as a member of UK100 it has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities.
• The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039.
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days plus bank holidays after 5 years’ service (with an option to buy up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year subject to approval).
• A generous pension scheme (LGPS) including life assurance (a payment of three times your annual salary).
• Flexible working options to enable work/life balance.
• Agile working (ability to work in the office and from home) with work being an activity we do, not a place we go.
• Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services.
• Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and spread the cost over your salary).
• Rail and bus staff discounts.
• A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme.
• Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres.
• A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning.
• Modern office accommodation.