At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a vibrant Town Centre Strategy and engage in exciting regeneration projects.
- Company: Join Ipswich Borough Council, a dynamic and growing local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate colleagues and contribute to a culturally rich environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of Ipswich's town centre and community.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or diploma in planning; RTPI membership preferred.
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 progress a programme of town centre regeneration. Following a re‑structure and in light of these exciting workstreams, we are looking to expand our team with motivated, ambitious senior planners.
Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England and is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich culture, heritage, elite sports teams and a thriving Waterfront. It is well connected to London and other parts of the country through strategic rail and road links. The town is entering an important period, with the Council prioritising the delivery of a Town Centre Strategy and supporting the Ipswich City of Culture bid. Backed by successful Towns Fund investment and a strong regeneration pipeline, Ipswich offers a unique opportunity to help shape a vibrant, resilient and culturally rich town centre.
The role primarily involves shaping a new people‑centred Town Centre Strategy and the preparation of evidence‑base studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, which is due to commence in 2026. By joining us now, you will play a key role from the earliest stages. There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters.
This role will allow the successful candidate the opportunity to further develop their skill set providing analysis and working to support other officers; report writing; project management; the opportunity to write guidance to expand on planning policy, and to get involved in helping to deliver allocations and regeneration by working with developers and site owners as well as input into master‑planning larger sites. In addition, the role will also afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council’s busy Development Management team.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Town Planner with a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field. Membership of the RTPI is required or actively being worked towards for a Senior Planner role. Ideally you will have previous Local Plan making experience. In the context of a strong corporate emphasis on town centre regeneration and growth, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience of, or a strong interest in, town centre policy, regeneration and place‑based planning.
Effective project management and workload skills with a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.
As well as a good salary, we offer 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 and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.
Closing date 14/06/2026
Senior Planning Officer in Suffolk employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Ipswich Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to the exciting regeneration of Ipswich's town centre. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a career-grade pension scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to shaping a vibrant community. Join us in this pivotal role and make a meaningful impact in one of England's fastest-growing regional centres.
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Ipswich! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the town’s culture and regeneration projects. They want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about shaping the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in town centre policy and regeneration. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to Ipswich’s Local Plan and Town Centre Strategy. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we’re doing 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 town centre policy and regeneration. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting workstreams we have at Ipswich Borough Council.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving the built environment shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about shaping a vibrant town centre, so don’t hold back on sharing your passion in your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve got previous Local Plan making experience or have worked on similar projects, make sure to showcase that. We want to know how your background can contribute to our ambitious plans for Ipswich.
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 and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates eager to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the current Local Plan and the upcoming changes. Familiarise yourself with Ipswich's Town Centre Strategy and how it aligns with the council's goals. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of your project management experience. Highlight any successful projects you've led, particularly those related to town centre regeneration or planning policy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and worked with different parties in previous roles. This is crucial for a role that involves working closely with developers and local authorities.
✨Express Your Passion for Urban Development
Let your enthusiasm for improving the built environment shine through. Share your vision for a vibrant town centre and how you can contribute to Ipswich's growth. This passion can set you apart from other candidates and resonate well with the interviewers.
