Career Grade Planner

Suffolk County Council

- **Address**:Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working

- **Salary**:£25,185 - £39,152 per annum (pro rata for part time) (Depending on what stage of the career grade you are on)

- **Hours**:37 Hours per week - flexible working options available.

- **Contract**:Permanent

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 shape and the opportunities for our residents. That’s why, when you join us as a **Career Grade Planner,** you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve the world we live in as well as your career. Reimagine the possibilities.

**Your role and responsibilities**

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 such as transport planners, economic development officers and environmental specialists - working together to support sustainable growth in Suffolk.

You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the planning team, getting insights into shaping planning policies (through local plans) and monitoring and enforcement (such as prosecutions).

This role is not entirely office based, and you will be able to frequently undertake site visits, meet the general public and liaise with elected politicians._ _

**Your career pathway**

The Career Pathway **career pathway chart (docx)** is designed around the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) **Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship**, which will advance your career to becoming a 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.

Your study time for the degree apprenticeship will be one day per week at London South Bank University.

**You will need**

All stages

- A desire to see growth take place in a way in which works for our environment and communities.

- To strive to continuously improve in everything that you do, taking the initiative to learn and develop.

Stage 1:

- An NVQ Level 3 qualification in planning or similar field (such as but not limited to Geography, Environmental Science, Law) or similar qualifications at level 3 is essential on appointment.

Stage 3:

- Completed NVQ Level 4 qualification in planning, such as Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship, or similar qualification.

Stage 4:
**The team**

- The team is small, but busy and has an increasingly diverse workload.

- It is our goal to ensure that the development proposals submitted before us are considered sustainable and protect the environment but deliver growth to Suffolk.

- We have a collaborative spirit and there will be opportunities to understand how other areas of the Council operate.

- You are encouraged to attend the office as much as practical. Usually, the busiest days for the team in the office are Tuesdays and Thursdays, however we do undertake hybrid working.

**Empowering Everyone**

**For more information**

**How to apply**

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

**Step 3 -**Upload a**supporting statement** indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the appropriate stage for your circumstances in the ‘Person Profile’ section**of the**JPP.

- You should use the **Supporting Statement template**.
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.

**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.

**Closing date: 11.30pm, 23 November 2025.**

**Interview date: 28 November 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

**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 progress