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- Tasks: Lead planning policy matters and shape communities for the future.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, known for collaboration and community focus.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and enhance your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant spatial planning policy experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 52413 Ā£ per year.
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: Ā£45,091āĀ£52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement, proārata for partātime)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This role is open to fullātime, partātime, and jobāshare applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
About the Role
The Principal Planning Policy Officer will lead on a range of planning policy matters within the Joint Local Plan Review, shaping communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the future.
- Major and strategic site allocation
- Managing external consultants on evidence base and appraisal development
- Providing expert planning policy advice
- Mentoring members of the planning team
- Working collaboratively across the two councils and with external partners (councillors, local authorities, Suffolk County Council, infrastructure providers)
- Engagement with the community and support for neighbourhood development plans
- Supporting the delivery of the councils' corporate objectives
About You
We are looking for a motivated planner with the following background and skills:
- Degreeālevel education in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience
- Desirable membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
- Extensive knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures
- Experience procuring and managing external consultants and a solid understanding of the planāmaking process
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products
About Us
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are known for collaborative partnership working across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
- 60 conservation areas
- Two National Landscapes
- Many picturesque market towns
- We are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 after 5 years)
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programs
- Private Health Care Options
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (subject to business needs)
- Great learning and development opportunities
Ways of Working
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based on business need. This arrangement supports flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.
Contact
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact:
- Robert Hobbs ā Phone: 01449 724812, Email: robert.hobbs@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
- Caileigh Gorzelak ā Phone: 01449 724595, Email: caileigh.gorzelak@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Application Process
Step 1 ā Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
Step 2 ā Complete the Supporting Statement template.
Step 3 ā Complete the online application and upload your statement.
Your statement must:
- Show how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification
- Be no more than 2 sides of A4
- Use the provided template (other formats will not be accepted)
The application will be reviewed through the week beginning 12 January 2026. Closing Date: 5.00 PM, Tuesday, 06 January 2026.
Safeguarding Statement
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich
āØTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
āØTip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local planning policies and recent developments in the area. We want to impress them with our knowledge and show that weāre ready to hit the ground running!
āØTip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, letās rehearse how weād explain complex planning concepts in simple terms. Itāll help us stand out during interviews.
āØTip Number 4
Donāt forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our supporting statement directly to what theyāre looking for in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application š«”
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help us understand what we're looking for and how you can showcase your skills effectively.
Craft Your Supporting Statement Carefully: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Stick to the provided template and keep it concise ā no more than 2 sides of A4!
Be Authentic and Personal: We want to get to know the real you! Use your own voice in your application and share personal experiences that highlight your skills and passion for planning policy. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. Itās the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures youāre following the correct process. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
āØKnow Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and local government practices. Familiarise yourself with the Joint Local Plan Review and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with shaping communities in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
āØShowcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of your project management experience, especially in managing external consultants. Be ready to explain how you've successfully led projects in the past and how you can bring that expertise to this role.
āØBuild Strong Relationships
Highlight your communication skills by discussing how you've built strong working relationships in previous roles. Think of specific instances where collaboration with councils or community engagement made a difference in your projects.
āØPrepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the councils' corporate objectives and community development.
