Overview
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have exciting new opportunities to join the East Suffolk Council's Planning Support Team as a Planning Technical Support Officer.
We’re looking for proactive and detail-oriented individuals to provide vital technical administrative support to our Development Management, Planning Policy, and Building Control teams. This role will play a key part in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of these services, while offering clear advice and resolution to a wide range of customer enquiries—helping us deliver a high-quality experience and great value for our community.
Responsibilities
* Be the first point of contact for a wide range of customer enquiries, including those related to planning and building control applications, via phone, email, or letter. Provide clear advice and accurate information, ensuring all customer commitments are met promptly and in line with our Planning Service Standards.
* Support customers in accessing and navigating the Council’s digital platforms, helping them find the information they need with confidence.
* Validate planning and building control applications and advise applicants and agents when submissions are incomplete or require further details, working closely with line managers.
* Retrieve and manage essential information using a variety of systems and records to support service delivery.
* Promote Planning and Building Control services with a commercially aware approach, identifying opportunities to grow and encourage repeat business.
* Contribute to the Development Management team’s service plan goals and uphold the principles of the Quality Management System (e.g., ISO:9001:2015).
* Suggest service improvements within Planning Services and across the wider Council; participate in benchmarking activities with other authorities to shape future developments.
Requirements / Qualifications
* At least two years’ experience in keyboard or typing work within a public or private sector organisation.
* Confident in using Microsoft Office applications.
* Solid background in busy administrative or office environments.
* Strong customer focus with the ability to provide clear advice and guidance.
* Commitment to personal development and actively support training initiatives.
* Minimum of four GCSEs, including English Language and Maths (or equivalent).
We value positive communication; you’ll be someone who encourages constructive relationships and helps develop effective staff feedback methods.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council offers a range of benefits and a positive work culture. Read our benefits brochure for further information. The majority of teams work in an agile way with a mix of home and office working depending on service requirements.
Benefits
* Great opportunities for training and development
* Generous leave entitlement (24 days per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays)
* Local government pension scheme
* Free car parking (in office locations)
* Discounts on various products and services
How to apply
Closing date: 12pm, Sunday 12 October 2025. Interview date: Week commencing 3 November 2025.
Step 1 – Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
Step 2 – Complete the Supporting Statement template, indicating how you meet each criterion. Other formats will not be accepted.
Step 3 – Complete the online application and upload your statement. CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check the How to Apply section of our Career Site.
About Us
East Suffolk Council is a place to make a real difference, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We are committed to investing in our staff and providing first-class support for a positive culture and rewarding careers. For more, watch our video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: Government Administration
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