Senior Planning Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:  Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £40,777-£47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available 
• Contract: Fixed term or secondment for 2 years (funding)
• Post 1: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
• Post 2: Sizewell C

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Senior Planner (NSIP's) or Senior Planner (Sizewell C), you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.  Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

• As part of a multidisciplinary team contribute to the management of a complex case load of NSIP work https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/major-infrastructure-projects-including-nsips
• Engage with developers in varied settings to help hone projects in order to make them the best they can be
• Engage with projects at home virtually, on site or in public examinations or in the office
• The Senior Planner NSIP role with deals with all aspects of the proposed developments from inception to post-commissioning
• The Senior Planner Sizewell C role will be involved with the one of the UK’s largest construction projects. 

 You will need: 

• to ideally be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards chartered status by one of the recognised routes  
• significant experience of dealing with NSIP projects from a local authority perspective
• confidence when dealing with developers, fellow professionals, councillors and local communities.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word).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 

• Suffolk County Council is recognised by the Government as a centre of excellence for NISP knowledge.  Please click on the link for further information: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/major-infrastructure-projects-including-nsips/nsip-information/nsip-centre-of-excellence-information-for-local-authorities/nsips-centre-of-excellence-202324
• Besides running webinars and an annual conference for other local authorities, Suffolk County council has also provided advice on a consultancy basis. 
• You will join a team where continuing professional development will be encouraged.
• Individuals are allowed to take on a high level of responsibility and thrive as a result.
• Our expectation is that you work from the office for 40% of your time to aid good communication with the team and you will also be attending site meetings.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re 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 Graham Gunby (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 264807 or emailing [email protected]. 

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application. 

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 asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. What is your experience of dealing with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) from a local authority perspective? How did you contribute to the success of these projects?
2. Give an example of how you have communicated complex planning advice to developers, councillors, or local communities. How did you ensure your message was clear and persuasive?
3. How have you supported the professional development of colleagues or junior team members?

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.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing[email protected]or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. 

Closing date:11.30pm, 12 October 2025. 

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