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- Tasks: Shape communities by formulating planning policies and managing strategic site allocations.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, dedicated to building vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a competitive pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field with significant spatial planning policy experience.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, promoting collaboration and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are looking to recruit a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £45,091 - £52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement) (pro rata for part time). This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
About the Role
Do you want to shape our communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the better? An exciting role has become available in the team that delivers the Local Plan for our districts. The councils adopted the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Part 1 Development Plan Document in November 2023 and are currently undertaking a Joint Local Plan Review under the new plan-making system, which will plan ahead to 2045. The Joint Local Plan Review will seek to address the challenge of increasing housing and employment needs together with the delivery of the associated infrastructure, whilst preserving what is unique about the districts.
Responsibilities
- Formulate planning policy, including major and strategic site allocation
- Manage external consultants on the development of evidence base and appraisal
- Provide expert planning policy advice and mentor members of the team
- Work collaboratively across the two councils in supporting the development of strategies including infrastructure
- Engage with councillors, neighbouring local authorities, Suffolk County Council, and other infrastructure providers
- Engage with the community and support the preparation of neighbourhood development plans
- Support the delivery of the councils' corporate objectives
Qualifications and Experience
- Educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience, and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute desirable
- Thorough knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures
- Ability to procure and manage external consultants and a good understanding of the plan-making process
- Effective communication skills and ability to develop strong working relationships, together with project management and organisational skills
- Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products
About Us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with 60 conservation areas, two National Landscapes and many picturesque market towns.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years)
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes
- Private health care options
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (business needs permitting)
- Great learning and development opportunities
Ways of Working
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home and remote based working (business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Application deadline 5pm, 6 January 2026. Interview date Week beginning 12 January 2026. 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.
Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich employer: Illuminated Interiors
Contact Detail:
Illuminated Interiors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team culture, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent planning policies and local issues in Suffolk. We want to demonstrate our knowledge and passion for shaping communities, so being up-to-date will help us stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our responses to common interview questions, especially around teamwork and project management. We should highlight our experience in managing external consultants and engaging with various stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to fit the specific needs of the Principal Planning Policy Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planning Policy Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping our communities, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of local government practices and planning policy in your written application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include examples that reflect your expertise and familiarity with the plan-making process.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out – we want to see your strengths at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our councils there, making it easier for you to tailor your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Illuminated Interiors
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and the specifics of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or managed teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong working relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, especially in relation to planning policy and community engagement.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing projects and external consultants. Provide specific examples of how you've ensured successful outcomes, as this will be crucial for the responsibilities of the role.
