Senior Planning Policy Officer Full time - 37 hours per week Permanent Starting salary £40,777 - £46,142 per annum plus excellent employee benefits package About the team we are recruiting to: Planning is about making the best use of land and making places where people want to live, work and play. Through preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributing significantly towards our corporate priorities, and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. We are a council with a good track record of delivering Local Plans with a recently adopted Local Plan and work commencing on the preparation of a new Local Plan in the context of the Government’s recent reforms to plan-making. The team includes Ecology, Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers. The professional expertise in the wider service and Council makes it a great place to work and opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. About the role: We are seeking a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic Senior Planning Policy Officer to join our successful strategic planning service. The role will undertake a variety of tasks from assisting in the preparation of the Local Plan, delivery of the adopted Local Plan, supporting the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans and the preparation of supplementary planning documents and masterplans. Part of the role also involves liaising with outside bodies/stakeholders/interested individuals/expert bodies and statutory consultees in the preparation of the policy framework and attending and presenting papers to Working Groups, Cabinet, and Portfolio Holders, as required. What you will need: Up to date knowledge of planning legislation. A degree in planning or related subject and be eligible for RTPI membership. Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken. Good problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Proficient in using IT and Microsoft. Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining, focused, calm and professional. Willingness to learn and share knowledge. Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity. Why work for us? Our benefits include: Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days plus bank holidays after 5 years’ service (with an option to buy up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year subject to approval). A generous pension scheme (LGPS) including life assurance (a payment of three times your annual salary). Flexible working options to enable work/life balance. Agile working (ability to work in the office and from home) with work being an activity we do, not a place we go. Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services. Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and spread the cost over your salary). Rail and bus staff discounts A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme. Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning. Modern office accommodation For more information: For an informal discussion and further information please contact Boyd Nicholas, Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning) on 01638 719248 or email boyd.nicholas@westsuffolk.gov.uk Please note, we are unable to accept CVs, please follow the online application process to apply. Job description Person specification Core values Closing date: 11 January 2025 Interview date: to be confirmed West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action (Climate Scorecards 2023) and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039. Direct link to advert: https://jobs.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ce0961li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID=8750068DEn&WVID=2862770hWe