Planning Technical Support Officer NEW at Suffolk County Council

Lowestoft, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jul, 26

Salary

28142.0

Posted On

02 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Administrative support, Customer service, Microsoft Office, Data entry, Communication, Interpersonal skills, Time management, Attention to detail, Planning legislation, Building control, Document management, GDPR compliance, Problem solving, Teamwork, Keyboard skills

Industry

Government Administration

Description

* East Suffolk Council, East Suffolk House, Melton, or Riverside, Lowestoft * £26,403 to £28,142 per annum * Band 3 (SCP 7 to 11) * 37 hours per week * Permanent We’re looking for someone with strong technical and administrative skills and a collaborative mindset to join our Planning Support Team as a Planning Technical Support Officer. In this role, you’ll be a valued first point of contact, helping customers navigate our Planning and Building Control services with confidence. You’ll handle a variety of enquiries through phone, email and digital channels, offering clear advice and guiding customers through our online platforms. Your ability to spot and resolve issues early will help keep the service running smoothly and ensure every customer receives a positive, timely experience. You’ll play an important part in processing Planning and Building Regulation applications—registering and validating submissions, consulting with stakeholders, managing information across our systems, and ensuring documents are handled in line with GDPR. From maintaining accurate records to issuing receipts and supporting statutory requirements such as public advertisements, your attention to detail will help ensure the Council meets its legal obligations and delivers a high quality service. As a key member of the team, you’ll build strong relationships with colleagues and customers, promoting trust in our services and contributing to a forward thinking, commercially aware planning function. You’ll support ongoing improvements, share ideas, take part in benchmarking activities and help drive the service forward in line with our development and quality standards. Above all, you’ll embody our organisational values and play an active role in shaping an excellent customer experience. What you will need: We’re looking for someone with a solid administrative background, ideally with at least two years’ experience using keyboard and Microsoft Office applications in a busy office environment. You’ll bring experience of delivering excellent customer service, offering clear advice and guidance, and working confidently in a fast paced, customer focused setting. It would be an advantage if you have a broad understanding of planning service areas such as Development Management, Building Control and Planning Policy, along with knowledge of related legislation and procedures. Familiarity with systems like IDOX, CAPS, Information@Work or other document management tools is highly beneficial, as is an understanding of the Council’s services, structure and local area. You’ll excel in communication, with strong interpersonal skills, a professional telephone manner and the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, external agencies, elected members and the public. A confident customer focused approach is essential, along with the ability to handle confidential matters sensitively and remain calm under pressure. We’re looking for someone who is self-motivated, adaptable and able to work both independently and as part of a supportive team. Strong organisational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and effective time management will help you prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and handle interruptions while maintaining high standards. Good IT and keyboard skills are a must. You’ll hold at least four GCSEs (including English and Maths) or equivalent, along with an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or similar qualification. Other Requirements You’ll be committed to your own development and keen to support continuous improvement within the service. A positive, collaborative communication style and the ability to build constructive relationships will be key to helping us maintain a supportive and engaged working environment. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the essential requirements, please apply, we would love to hear from you. 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 [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 * Great opportunities for learning and development * 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. Please see our benefits brochure for further information [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/Sites/ESC/Employee-Benefits-Brochure-2021.pdf].  For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Tina Crisp via email Tina.crisp@eastsuffolk.gov.uk [Tina.crisp@eastsuffolk.gov.uk] Closing date: 11.55pm Friday 17th April 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 27th April 2026 How to apply Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification. [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/esc-assets/Job_descriptions/PlanningTechnicalSupportOfficerJuly2023.docx] Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template [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. [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]

Responsibilities

You will act as a first point of contact for Planning and Building Control services, handling enquiries and guiding customers through digital platforms. Additionally, you will process applications by registering submissions, managing stakeholder consultations, and maintaining accurate records in compliance with GDPR.