Planning Technician (Policy and Delivery)

• East Suffolk Council • Address: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT and Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ • Salary: £29,542 - £35,570 (Band 4/5) • Hours: 37 hours per week • Contract: Fixed term until December 2027* 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 an exciting maternity cover opportunity to join East Suffolk Council's Policy and Delivery Team as a Planning Technician until December 2027.  *Please note that, as this is a maternity cover position, the fixed-term contract may end earlier than December 2027 should the substantive postholder return to work sooner than expected. The role: This is an excellent opportunity to join East Suffolk Council's Planning Policy & Delivery Team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This role provides a varied mix of technical, administrative and digital support to the Planning Policy & Delivery Team, as well as providing support to other teams in the Planning and Building Control Service, including our Specialist Services team. The Planning Policy and Delivery team leads on the preparation of the Council’s planning policy documents, including Local Plans, planning guidance and monitoring documents. We have an innovative and forward looking team of Technicians, who have driven improvements in our digital ways of working, including how we share our information online and enable the public to interact.  The role involves the creation and management of website content, designing and publishing high-quality documents and maps, and supporting public consultation and community engagement activities, including through the use of digital platforms. The role also involves responding to enquiries from residents and stakeholders, assisting Neighbourhood Plan groups, and supporting the internal administration of the team. Reflecting our ambition to improve the way we make our planning information and data available, and the increasing digitisation of the planning system, the role provides an opportunity for innovation and new ideas, by supporting the Lead Technician in identifying areas for technical and digital improvement. . Our Planning Delivery Dashboard [https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/dd0b8df0b000467bb958248e2c2762fc] is just one example of the types of projects you will get involved in. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused service while upholding the organisation's values and standards What you will need: Knowledge and Experience We are looking for someone with excellent IT skills and a customer-focused approach to the provision and communication of information, with an ability to work methodically and accurately in a timely manner. Experience in a Planning related role, whilst desirable, is not essential, and the role will provide excellent opportunities for personal development.  Skills and Abilities You will have strong organisational skills and be able to manage a varied workload in a busy environment. The role requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills. You will have strong written skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate records and filing systems. Good analytical abilities, particularly in relation to data and mapping information, are essential. The role also requires proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access and Teams, together with experience of GIS mapping and data analysis. Flexibility, professionalism and the ability to adapt to changing priorities are key. Education and Qualifications Applicants should be educated to A-Level standard, including GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), or hold a Level 3 Town Planning Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification. Relevant planning experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Additional Requirements The successful candidate will be able to work from both Riverside and East Suffolk House offices and have access to transport to travel across the district as required. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, a commitment to customer service and a willingness to develop their skills and contribute to the wider team. You will be enthusiastic, adaptable and committed to delivering a high-quality service that supports the Council's values. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. Why work for us? East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council, take a look at our video and hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0]. Here are some of the main benefits:  • Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)  • Local government pension scheme  • Flexible working arrangements  • Learning and development tailored to your role  • A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.  • Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.  Find more information about what we offer in our benefits brochure (pdf) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/Sites/ESC/Employee-Benefits-Brochure-2021.pdf].  To find out more For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Andrea McMillan on (01394) 444567 or email andrea.mcmillan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk [andrea.mcmillan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk] Closing date: 1pm, Monday 5th October 2026 Interview date: Friday 16th October 2026 How to apply Step 1 • Read the advert and the  Job Description and Person Specification (docx) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/esc-assets/Job_descriptions/Planning_Technician_Policy_and_Delivery_JD_Sept_26.docx] Step 2 • Complete the Supporting Statement template (docx) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/esc-assets/Templates/Supporting_Statement_Template_ESC.docx]. Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted). Step 3 • Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted. For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our Career Site (URL). [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_6001/pages/104036] 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 hugely value our staff and know that in order for us to remain successful, it is essential for us to recognise talented employees, developing and retaining them within the organisation. We are therefore committed to investing in our staff and providing first-class support to ensure a positive culture and rewarding careers.   To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council and to hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work, take a look at our video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0]