James Bailey Planning
Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Sep 15, 2025
Full time
Senior Planner Location: Office-based in IP33, (Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk), with flexible working arrangements available Salary: £35,000-£45,000 per annum, depending on experience Contract: Full Time, Permanent Benefits: Company pension, discretionary bonus, 24 days annual leave + bank holidays + up to 5 grace days, Social networking and company days out. About us: James Bailey Planning Ltd. offer a comprehensive range of planning services which includes (but is not limited to): initial early planning advice; site appraisals; planning applications; Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan representations; master planning; strategic site promotions; public engagement and consultation; and engaging and negotiating with Local Authorities and County Councils. Our experience ranges from: smaller householder projects; to commercial and retail premises; heritage work; local and national infrastructure projects; up to large scale housing led schemes. Job Role: Reporting to the James Bailey Planning Ltd (JBPL) Directors, you will be responsible for the daily management of any junior members of staff, whilst work collaboratively on a wide range of projects as directed. As a Senior Planner, you will establish and maintain a working schedule on all projects, that can be used to identify weekly tasks and key milestones. You will look to build and maintain strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders. You will ensure that all resources for project coordination are carefully managed and where necessary appointed, in line with the project strategy. As part of your duties, you will be responsible for reviewing the planning process, and work closely with JBPL Directors to meet the organisation s objectives. Main Responsibilities: • To be responsible for all necessary exploration and background information pertaining to new and ongoing projects as may be required. • Prepare draft: Briefing Notes; Meeting Agendas; Planning Statements; Local Plan Representations; Appeal Statements; formal Letters; and any other necessary planning documentation. • To be responsible for submitting planning applications and representations online via the Planning Portal or Council websites. • To be responsible for the monitoring of submitted or relevant planning applications and liaise with clients and stakeholders as and when required. • Conduct site visits and attend meetings with clients (virtual or in person). • Assist with Planning Committee meetings, Local Plan Examinations, and Public Inquiries. • To be responsible for direct communication between clients and consultants, external organisations. • Communicate with stakeholders and external organisations. Knowledge, Skills & Experience: • Extensive and relevant experience in residential and commercial property development projects, leading on planning & design, and working with multi-disciplinary teams i.e., Housing Associations; Developers; Designers; Planning Consultants; and other professionals. • Extensive experience and understanding of planning, design, property & contract law, technical standards, and construction. • Commercially astute with a clear appreciation of the commercial implications of planning and managing internal budgets. • Experience in procuring consultants, contractors, developers and operating in various contracting environments such as Design & Build, Partnerships, and Joint Ventures. • Experience of dealing with complex and contentious proposals and of preparing stakeholder report. • A minimum of 5+ years of public/private sector experience. • Excellent verbal and written communicator, with the ability to work well under pressure. • Ability to communicate effectively to diverse and challenging audiences. • Ability to effectively undertake negotiations and influence decisions with successful outcomes. Qualifications and Professional membership • Postgraduate degree in planning from an organisation recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in this role, click on APPLY today, forwarding an up-to-date copy of your CV for consideration in the first instance. No agencies please.