Senior Planner

Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government planning authority seeks a motivated Senior Planner to prepare studies and support the Local Plan. You will collaborate with local authorities and help improve housing strategies. A relevant qualification and project management skills are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working arrangements and generous holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Full payment of RTPI membership

Free swimming and gym membership

Flexibility to work from home

Excellent travel benefits

Access to a cycle-to-work scheme

Subsidised parking

Qualifications

• Proactive person with planning qualifications.
• Previous Local Plan making experience preferred.
• Membership in the RTPI is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare evidence base studies for the Local Plan.
• Monitor and support Local Plan preparation.
• Collaborate with authorities for planning guidance.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Relevant degree or postgraduate diploma in planning

NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning

Job description

Senior Planner

Suffolk Jobs Direct – Ipswich Borough Council Planning Department. Location: Grafton House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE.

• Hours: 29.6 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0507
• Salary: £34,721 - £36,072 per annum pro rata

About Ipswich

Ipswich is one of the fastest‑growing regional centres in England and the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich history and heritage and a thriving waterfront backed by successful Towns Fund bids there are a wealth of exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

About the Role

Planning Policy Team is looking for a motivated, ambitious Senior Planner to join our team and contribute to the Local Plan making journey under the new plan‑making system. You will prepare evidence base studies, monitor and support the preparation of the next Ipswich Local Plan due to commence in 2025‑2026, work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council, support other officers with report writing and project management, write guidance to expand planning policy, and help deliver allocations by working with developers and site owners.

About You

We’re looking for a motivated and proactive person with a relevant degree or postgraduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning (or a relevant field). Ideally, you will have previous Local Plan making experience and a keen interest in housing. You should be a member of the RTPI, possess effective project management skills, genuine passion for improving the built environment, strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.

Why work for us?

Your hard work will be rewarded with a fantastic benefits package:

• Career average pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (increasing to 32 days after five years of service)
• Full payment of annual RTPI membership subscriptions
• Free swimming and gym membership
• Flexibility to work from home and in the office
• Excellent travel benefits, including free travel on Ipswich buses, discounts on Greater Anglia rail season and flexi‑season tickets
• Access to a cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Subsidised parking in Ipswich Borough Council car parks for work and leisure

How To Apply

Please visit our recruitment website (our recruitment website). The closing date is 11:55pm, 25 December 2025. CVs are not accepted. Selected candidates will be invited to a prepared exercise followed by an interview on the week commencing 12 January 2026 at Grafton House, Ipswich.

Contact

Anna Roe, Planning Policy Team Leader – 01473 432911 or [e-mail].

James Mann, Head of Planning and Development – [e-mail].

We require reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process – please let us know.

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf).

Employment Information

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Job function: Other – Government Administration

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