Vella Recruitment
Associate Director

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OPPORTUNITY SNAPSHOT 📷
Vella Recruitment are working with an award-winning planning-led SME based in Central Manchester, who have an outstanding reputation in the market. They are looking for an Associate Director within their Economic Development and Socio-Economics team.
THE HEADLINES:
- Title: Economic Associate Director
- Experience required: 6+ years’ experience
- Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 + excellent bonus
- Location: Central Manchester
- Type of Company: Planning-led SME
- Hybrid Working: Yes, flexible (3 in office/2 work from home)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
🔉 WHO ARE THEY?
Our client are a highly reputable planning-led SME who are based in Central Manchester. Not only do they work on the most outstanding and high-profile projects, but they are known in the market for their employee well-being focus! This opportunity will enhance your technical abilities, project exposure, mentoring and management skills and have a work-winning/business development focus, all with the most outstanding support and understanding that a good work-life balance matters!


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👀 WHO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
- You’ll need 6+ years’ experience from a similar discipline.
- Have a hunger and drive for business development and building your network.
- Strong experience across business case, socio-economic and economic development work streams.
- Enjoy mentoring junior staff and managing multiple projects at any one time.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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