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) - career graded
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available.
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 21122

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. 

Day to day you will be determining planning applications for minerals (such as new quarries), waste sites (such as recycling centres) and the Council’s own planning applications (such as new schools). 

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 (word) 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:

• a completed NVQ Level 4 qualification in planning, such as Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship, or similar qualification.

Stage 4:

• a degree in planning, environmental sciences, geography, urban design, law, government, or related subjects.

You can view a full list of requirements in the  Job 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 

• 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 

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 Andy Rutter for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing [email protected]  

How to apply

To apply and for further details, please visit:

https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_1004/job/21122

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.