Director

Vivid Resourcing; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Hybrid and flexible working

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing in Manchester is seeking a Director to lead the Planning & Development team, driving business growth and mentoring junior staff. You will manage high‑profile projects across residential, commercial and energy sectors, ensuring successful consent through the full planning lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have MRTPI (MRICS considered) with 10+ years post‑qualification experience and a strong track record in private sector consultancy.

Qualifications

• Qualified MRTPI (MRICS considered) with strong private sector planning consultancy experience.
• 10+ years' post-qualification planning experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system and legislative framework.
• Proven track record of winning new business and developing client relationships.
• Experience leading complex planning projects from inception through to consent.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team development skills.

Responsibilities

• Driving business growth and supporting the continued expansion of the Manchester Planning & Development team.
• Winning new business and identifying opportunities to grow existing client relationships.
• Leading and maintaining key client accounts across a diverse project portfolio.
• Acting as Project Director on complex planning projects across residential, commercial and renewable energy sectors.
• Managing projects through the full planning process, from initial strategy through to planning consent.
• Providing strategic planning advice, risk management and stakeholder engagement guidance.
• Representing clients at planning committees, hearings, inquiries and public examinations where required.
• Mentoring, managing and developing junior members of the planning team.
• Building the consultancy's profile across the Manchester and wider North West market through networking, industry events and professional engagement.
• Working closely with senior leadership to shape the future growth and direction of the Planning & Development division.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Education

MRTPI qualification

MRICS considered

Job description

The Opportunity

I'm working with a well-established multidisciplinary property and planning consultancy that is looking to appoint a Director to join its growing Planning & Development team in Manchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional looking to take on a strategic leadership role within a respected and expanding consultancy. You'll play a key role in driving business growth, developing long-term client relationships, leading major planning projects and helping shape the future direction of the team.

Working across a varied portfolio of residential, commercial and renewable energy developments, you'll have the autonomy to lead projects from inception through to consent, while supporting the development of junior colleagues and contributing to the wider success of the business.

The Role

As Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Driving business growth and supporting the continued expansion of the Manchester Planning & Development team.
• Winning new business and identifying opportunities to grow existing client relationships.
• Leading and maintaining key client accounts across a diverse project portfolio.
• Acting as Project Director on complex planning projects across residential, commercial and renewable energy sectors.
• Managing projects through the full planning process, from initial strategy through to planning consent.
• Providing strategic planning advice, risk management and stakeholder engagement guidance.
• Representing clients at planning committees, hearings, inquiries and public examinations where required.
• Mentoring, managing and developing junior members of the planning team.
• Building the consultancy's profile across the Manchester and wider North West market through networking, industry events and professional engagement.
• Working closely with senior leadership to shape the future growth and direction of the Planning & Development division.

About You

To be considered, you'll ideally have:

• MRTPI qualification, although MRICS professionals with strong Planning & Development experience will also be considered.
• Approximately 10+ years' post-qualification planning experience.
• Strong private sector planning consultancy experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system and legislative framework.
• A proven track record of winning new business and developing client relationships.
• Experience leading complex planning projects from inception through to completion.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring and developing planning teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• An established network and understanding of the Manchester / North West property and development market would be highly advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Performance-related bonus.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a growing Manchester Planning & Development team.
• High-profile and varied project portfolio.
• Genuine opportunity for further career progression.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of an established multidisciplinary consultancy.

Interested?

If you're an experienced planning professional looking for your next leadership opportunity in Manchester, within a collaborative, commercially focused and growing consultancy, I'd be keen to discuss the role with you in confidence.