Associate Director / Director – Planning

Location: South West
Salary: Competitive / Negotiable
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.

If you are interested in this role please do not hesitate to reach out on 0161 470 5506 or on email via Harrison.Reed@vividresourcing.com. Alternatively, if this role isn’t for you feel free to share it with your wider network!