Senior Planning Policy Officer

Babergh; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich seeks a Senior Planning Policy Officer to join their Strategic Planning Team. The role involves shaping the local plan to 2045 through collaboration across councils, supporting planning policy formulation, and engaging with the community. Ideal candidates have a degree in a relevant discipline, experience in spatial planning policy, and strong analytical skills. Flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Private Health Care Options

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Paid volunteering days

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline with experience in spatial planning policy.
• Knowledge of Local Government practices and the plan-making process.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proficient with modern Microsoft products.

Responsibilities

• Support the Joint Local Plan Review and plan-making process.
• Work with external consultants, councillors, and infrastructure providers.
• Prepare neighbourhood development plans and engage with the community.
• Deliver the councils' corporate objectives through strategic policy work.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of Local Government practice

Spatial planning policy experience

Education

Degree level in a relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft products

Job description

Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

• Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
• Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
• Salary: Career Grade role – £31,537 to £44,075 per annum (pro rata for part‑time)
• Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent

About the Role

Join our Strategic Planning Team to shape the local plan for Babergh and Mid Suffolk, moving ahead to 2045. You will work collaboratively across both councils to support the formulation of planning policy, major site allocation, evidence‑based appraisal, and community engagement.

• Support the Joint Local Plan Review and plan‑making process.
• Work with external consultants, councillors, neighbouring authorities, and infrastructure providers.
• Prepare neighbourhood development plans and engage with the community.
• Deliver the councils' corporate objectives through strategic policy work.

About You

• Degree level in a relevant discipline with spatial planning policy experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government practice and the plan‑making process.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proficient with modern Microsoft products.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute desirable.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 after 5 years).
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Private Health Care Options.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Learning and development opportunities.

How to Apply

• Complete the application form with employment and education history.
• Provide a supporting statement addressing the Person Specification.
• CVs and cover letters will not be considered.

Contact Robert Hobbs: 01449 724812 or [e-mail]
Contact Caileigh Gorzelak: 01449 724595 or [e-mail]

Closing date: 5 pm, 6 January 2026

Interview date: week commencing 12 January 2026

The authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.