Planning Officer (Career grade)

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working
• Salary: £26,016 - £40,444 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

We are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Planning Officer in the Development Management team with Suffolk County Council, you will be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As either a graduate or non-graduate, your work will make a significant input to the County Council’s planning team, including both forward planning and development management tasks. Our Career Pathway means you will be expected to work with more responsibility as you gain experience. There will be opportunities to work with different aspects of planning across the team. We will also support you with professional training, where needed.

The Career Pathway is designed around the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship, which will advance your career to becoming Chartered Town Planner faster. You will keep a log of your experience, not only for the RTPI’s Assessment of Professional Competence, but also as evidence of progression to the next stage.

You will be part of a small but busy team consisting of town planners and other specialists, together with support staff. We are part of a wider group of professionals, transport planners; economic development officers; environmental specialists, working to support sustainable growth in Suffolk.

You will need

• the desire to see growth take place in a way which works with our environment and communities
• to seek to create solutions and be open to innovation
• ambition to continuously improve in everything you do, taking the initiative to learn and develop.

You will study at London South Bank University so please click on the following link for their entry requirements - Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeships | London South Bank University

You can find more information in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.  

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be part of a small but busy team consisting of town planners and other specialists, together with support staff. We are part of a wider group of professionals, transport planners; economic development officers; environmental specialists, working to support sustainable growth in Suffolk.

The Development Management Team is part of the Planning Team, with wider responsibilities around Planning Policy, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Developer Contributions.

Our office days are usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, we practice hybrid working.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Andy Rutter (Development Manager) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing: andy.rutter@suffolk.gov.uk 

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Give an example of when you had to manage several competing tasks or deadlines. How did you prioritise your workload?

2. Give an example of when you had to learn a new process, system or area of knowledge quickly. What steps did you take to develop your understanding?

3. Planning often involves balancing different priorities and viewpoints. Tell us about a time when you had to consider differing opinions before reaching a conclusion or making a recommendation.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 20 October 2026.

Interview date: 4 November 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).