Principal Transport Towns Planner

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: 48163 - 58850 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week -Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern flexible and effective organisation at Suffolk County Council were driven to make a positive difference to the environment the communities we serve and the careers of our people. Thats why when you join us as aPrincipal Transport Towns Planneryoull be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As the driving force behind Suffolks highway improvement strategy you will develop and manage a dynamic 5-year rolling programme of schemes ensuring alignment with our Local Transport Plan and sustainable transport policies. Youll take ownership of the 15 area plans for Suffolk maximising existing funding and proactively seeking new opportunities to secure additional funding. Leading a dedicated team of up to four staff youll provide clear direction conduct annual performance reviews and ensure timely high-quality consultation responses. As the lead liaison with the Department for Transport and Active Travel England youll champion our projects monitor progress and provide insightful feedback to shape the future of transport across the county.

You will need:

• passion for promoting high standards of sustainable transport by influencing a wide audience as to the benefits for the people of Suffolk
• a good level understanding of all aspects of transport policy and highway design that will enable to assess and comment on detailed transport assessments and studies to a wide range of stakeholders
• to be able to act with a high level of autonomy on a wide range of issues and only require guidance on particularly difficult or controversial issues
• to be capable of representing the team at meetings with internal and external organisations to provide expert advice in area of work sometimes in challenging circumstances.

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 dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be part of a team that works together to provide comments on the suitability of new development in highway terms to local planning authorities. The Transport Planning Teams forms part of the Transport Strategy team helping to deliver growth across Suffolk. These teams include scheme development ensuring all projects comply with relevant Suffolk County policies that support Suffolks growth ambitions. We also secure funding and the delivery of new transport infrastructure and initiatives including active travel.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were 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 ourWorkforce Equality Report ().

For more information

Please contact Carl Ashton (He/Him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by callingor emailing.

How to apply

Step 1 -Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 -Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 -Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template.

1. Describe a time when you managed a team to deliver a complex transport or infrastructure project. How did you ensure effective collaboration and what was the outcome

2. Give an example of how you developed and implemented a transport plan or policy that supported sustainable growth or active travel. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them

3. Tell us about a situation where you had to analyse complex transport data or assessments to inform decision-making. How did your analysis influence the project or policy

4. Can you provide an example of when you worked with a variety of stakeholders such as local authorities councillors or community groups to deliver a transport scheme How did you manage differing priorities

Step 4 -Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note:Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to applyIf you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team ator.

You can find examples of possible adjustments on ourReasonable Adjustment pages. If youre invited to the next stage youll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date:11.30pm 2 February 2026.

Interview date: 12 and 14 February 2026.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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. #LI-Hybrid