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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape planning strategies and deliver impactful projects.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a difference in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and tailored professional development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of exciting growth plans in a diverse district.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning and RTPI membership required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong support networks for your wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 49600 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have a new opportunity to join East Suffolk Council’s Planning Policy and Delivery Team as a Principal Planner. East Suffolk is a large and diverse district, ranging from port towns to countryside and coast, with a substantial part of the area within the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape. There are ambitious plans for growth, including large-scale garden neighbourhoods/villages, regeneration projects, and major national energy and infrastructure projects. We are starting work on a new Local Plan and will be preparing it in the new plan-making system. You will work closely with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to shape and navigate these opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a skilled team of planning professionals and technical staff.
- Oversee the preparation, monitoring and delivery of Local Plans and guidance documents.
- Manage recruitment, development, performance, and continuous improvement within the Planning Policy and Delivery team.
- Shape and drive the Council’s approach to Neighbourhood Planning and support communities to bring forward Neighbourhood Plans.
- Represent the Council’s input to strategic planning matters through Spatial Development Strategies.
- Engage with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to inform planning strategies for growth.
Essential Requirements
- A relevant and accredited Degree in Town and Country Planning.
- Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or progression towards APC within six months of appointment.
- A strong commitment to professional development and supporting the growth of others.
- You must be mobile and have access to a car to attend meetings across diverse sites and locations.
Desirable/Additional Information
You will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality outcomes in a dynamic district with significant growth plans.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (25 days per year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays).
- Local government pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- Support networks including health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on various products and services.
Additional Information
- Closing date: 1.00 pm, 27 February 2026
- Interview date: 18 and 19 March 2026
How to Apply
- Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (Word).
- Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement should indicate how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification.
- Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our career site.
Contact
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Andrea McMillan, Planning Manager (Policy and Delivery), by calling 01394 444567 or emailing andrea.mcmillan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Location and Salary
Address: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT and Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ
Salary: £54,495 - £58,809 per annum (Band 10)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Principal Planner (Policy and Delivery) in Lowestoft employer: East Suffolk Council
Contact Detail:
East Suffolk Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Policy and Delivery) in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the council's vision! Before your interview, do a bit of research on East Suffolk Council’s recent projects and future plans. This will help you connect your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to planning policy and delivery. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to professional development, as these are key for the Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of East Suffolk Council on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the work culture and what it takes to succeed in the role, plus it shows your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your application stands out by tailoring your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. We want to see your passion for planning and community engagement!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Policy and Delivery) in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description and person specification. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your experience aligns with it.
Craft Your Supporting Statement Carefully: Use the Supporting Statement template to highlight how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. Be specific and give examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and achievements.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Show us your passion for planning and how you can contribute to our team at East Suffolk Council.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to complete the online application and upload your supporting statement directly through our website. Remember, CVs aren’t accepted, so focus on that statement to make your case!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Principal Planner. Brush up on local planning policies, especially those relevant to East Suffolk. Familiarise yourself with the current Local Plan and any upcoming projects, as this will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed others in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve managed projects or guided teams through challenges, as this will highlight your capability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the role involves working closely with local communities, come prepared with ideas on how to engage them effectively. Share any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with community members or stakeholders to shape planning strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Council’s future plans, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in the Planning Policy and Delivery team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
