At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a new Town Centre Strategy and engage with stakeholders for the Local Plan.
- Company: Join Ipswich Borough Council and be part of exciting town centre regeneration.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and support from a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community through innovative planning and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or relevant field; experience in Local Plan making is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 41777 - 43675 € per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ipswich Borough Council at the start of a Local Plan making journey under the new plan-making system and to progress a programme of town centre regeneration. The role primarily involves shaping a new people‑centred Town Centre Strategy and preparing evidence‑based studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, due to commence in 2026. There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters, providing analysis, report writing, project management, guidance writing and working with developers and site owners. The role will also afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council’s Development Management team.
Responsibilities
- Shape a new people‑centred Town Centre Strategy.
- Prepare evidence‑based studies and monitor outcomes.
- Engage with stakeholders to progress the Local Plan.
- Collaborate with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning.
- Analyze data and write reports to support planning decisions.
- Manage projects and tasks efficiently.
- Write guidance to expand planning policy.
- Work with developers and site owners on regeneration projects.
- Support the Development Management team.
Qualifications
- A relevant degree or postgraduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field.
- Ideally experience in Local Plan making.
- Experience or strong interest in town‑centre policy, regeneration and place‑based planning.
- Effective project management and workload skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with key stakeholders.
Benefits
- A career grade average pension scheme.
- Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements.
- Subsidised parking for work and leisure.
- Public transport discounts.
- Free swimming and gym membership.
- Cycle purchase scheme.
- Plenty of personal and professional development opportunities.
- Flexible working/hybrid working opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
Senior Planning Officer in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Ipswich Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the town through innovative planning and regeneration projects. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a career-grade pension scheme, flexible working options, and a supportive culture, you will find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, especially those connected to Ipswich Borough Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of town centre strategies and local planning policies. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your project management skills and collaborative experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team at Ipswich Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local plan making and town-centre policy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with stakeholders and collaborating with various authorities, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed stakeholder relationships or led collaborative projects.
Highlight Project Management Experience:We’re looking for someone who can manage projects efficiently. Be sure to include specific instances where you’ve successfully overseen planning projects or tasks, detailing your approach and the outcomes achieved.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ipswich Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the current Ipswich Local Plan and any recent developments in local planning policies. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you discuss how you can contribute to shaping the new Town Centre Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed tasks and collaborated with stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised workloads and ensured timely delivery, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach engaging with various stakeholders, including developers and local authorities. Prepare to share your strategies for effective communication and collaboration, as these skills are key to progressing the Local Plan.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse data and write reports that support planning decisions. Bring examples of evidence-based studies you've worked on, and explain how your findings influenced planning outcomes.
