Associate Director/Director

Vivid Resourcing; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing is seeking an Associate Director or Director in Planning to join the South West team, based at Bristol or Cardiff. The role leads high-profile planning projects, develops client relationships, and helps grow the regional business.

You will mentor junior planners, win new work, and contribute to the growth strategy of the Planning team, collaborating with colleagues across planning, design, and related disciplines. MRTPI and a strong South West network are essential.

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified with a strong track record in planning consultancy, development, or local government.
• Extensive knowledge of the South West planning market and an established professional network.
• Proven ability to generate work and develop client relationships to grow the business.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning projects and provide strategic advice to clients.
• Drive business development, winning new work in the South West.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, authorities, landowners and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior and mid-level planners.
• Contribute to leadership and growth strategy of the regional Planning team.
• Identify new market opportunities to expand the business.
• Collaborate with colleagues across planning, design and related disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Mentoring

Education

MRTPI

Job description

Associate Director / Director – Planning

Location: South West (Bristol or Cardiff office)

Type: Full-time

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to join a growing Planning team in the South West at Associate Director or Director level. This role offers the chance to play a leading role in the growth of the regional business, developing client relationships, winning new work, mentoring team members, and delivering high-profile planning projects across a range of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning projects and provide strategic planning advice to clients.
• Drive business development activities, generating new work and expanding the team's presence across the South West.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, landowners, and key stakeholders.
• Mentor, develop, and inspire junior and mid-level planners.
• Contribute to the leadership and growth strategy of the regional Planning team.
• Identify new market opportunities and support the continued expansion of the business.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across planning, design, and related disciplines.

About You

• MRTPI qualified with a strong track record in planning consultancy, development, or local government.
• Extensive knowledge of the South West planning market and an established professional network in the region.
• Proven ability to generate work, develop client relationships, and contribute to business growth.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing team members.
• Commercially aware, technically strong, and confident managing client relationships.
• Experience across a range of sectors; Urban Regeneration experience would be advantageous.

About the Business

The business has a relaxed, collaborative culture and a strong entrepreneurial mindset. With ambitious plans for growth in the South West, this is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact and help shape the future of a growing regional planning team.

Hiring Process

• Flexible interview process with Teams and face-to-face options available.
• Able to move quickly for the right candidate.
• Immediate in-person interviews can be arranged.