Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are looking to recruit a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our teambased in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £45,091 - £52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement) * (pro rata for part time).
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
We are looking for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our Strategic Planning Team and lead on a variety of planning policy matters.
If you share our values and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
Do you want to shape our communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the better?
An exciting role has become available in the team that delivers the Local Plan for our districts. The councils adopted the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Part 1 Development Plan Document in November 2023 and are currently undertaking a Joint Local Plan Review under the new plan-making system, which will plan ahead to 2045.
The Joint Local Plan Review will seek to address the challenge of increasing housing and employment needs together with the delivery of the associated infrastructure, whilst preserving what is unique about the districts.
We are looking for a collaborative and strategic-minded individual to play a key role in the formulation of planning policy, including:
major and strategic site allocation
managing external consultants on the development of evidence base and appraisal
provide expert planning policy advice
mentor members of the team.
There will be the need to work collaboratively across the two councils in supporting the development of strategies including infrastructure, as well as working closely with councillors, neighbouring local authorities, Suffolk County Council, and other infrastructure providers.
Engagement with the community and supporting the preparation of neighbourhood development plans are key aspects of the role.
The post will support the delivery of the councils' corporate objectives.
About you
We are seeking a motivated planner who has appropriate knowledge and experience of the spatial planning policy system with the ability to analyse, interpret and present evidence and information succinctly to a variety of audiences.
You will:
be educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience, and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is desirable
have a thorough knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures
be able to procure and manage external consultants and have a good understanding of the plan-making process
have effective communication skills and an ability to develop strong working relationships, together with project management and organisational skills
have good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products is expected.
Now is an exciting time to join us, as we look to update and develop the software we use with innovative packages to present information in different ways.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in.
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
60 conservation areas
two National Landscapes
many picturesque market towns.
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK (United Kingdom).
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days 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 (Business needs permitting)
great learning and development opportunities.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go.
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Closing date: 5pm, 6 January 2026.
Interview date: week beginning 12 January 2026.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Principal Planning Policy Officer role, even if you don't meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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