Senior Researcher (Economics and Impact)

Note for applicants: We are hiring two roles at this level with different focus areas. Read both descriptions carefully, then apply for the role that fits your skills and experience best. At BOP we’re committed to building an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to accommodate your needs to help ensure a fair and accessible experience for every applicant. We actively encourage applications from people who can bring diverse perspectives to our work, especially those whose lived experiences are underrepresented in our sector.

Details

• Salary (commensurate with experience): £30,750 – £38,950 for Senior Researchers. There is structured scope for progression for each role.
• Contract type: Full time, Permanent
• Location: Manchester or London (Manchester preferred). Minimum two days per week in the office following probation, three days during probation.
• Travel: Regular UK and international travel.
• Reporting to: Chief Economist
• Annual leave: 25 days holiday (including 5 days during the Christmas closure period) plus bank holidays.
• Pension: 5% matched.

What we look for

Summary of required skills: Strong quantitative and economic analysis skills, comfortable with impact studies, Green Book business cases and evaluations, and proficient using Excel for modelling. Requires sharp critical reasoning and clear writing to translate complex analysis into well‑structured reports for clients.

The role of a senior researcher at BOP

A senior researcher is responsible for conducting research and analysis and communicating it clearly in reports and slide decks. Every researcher works within multiple project teams and must coordinate and plan their own workload.

Illustrative day in the life of a senior researcher at BOP

• Conduct economic impact analysis on a major venue, festival or sector.
• Provide economic modelling as part of an evaluation of a creative sector intervention.
• Consult with stakeholders to understand the latest trends in the theatre sector.
• Draft a set of slides based on a survey of creative businesses, to show the key factors driving their business growth.
• Talk a client through early findings to help develop and refine our analysis.

As a senior researcher you will be expected to undertake a range of research and consultancy tasks across our portfolio of economics, research and evaluation work.

• Set up and run economic impact models.
• Provide punchy, insightful, and clear analysis, including the use of specialist software if relevant.
• Set up surveys and field work (e.g., building online surveys and arranging programmes of interviews).
• Undertake telephone and in‑person interviews, focus groups and analysis.
• Report and presentation writing, including helping to shape a clear and coherent narrative.

Project manage smaller studies and parts of other studies, working closely with Project Directors, and maintaining high quality while keeping projects profitable. Client management, ensuring our clients are engaged in the consultancy process. Contribute to the tendering process (bidding and pitch preparation). Additional duties may include project administration, communications and marketing activities, or wider operational activities such as knowledge management and cross‑company projects. The role is primarily Monday to Friday during normal UK office hours, but flexibility is required to accommodate clients in different time zones or regions. A flexi‑working policy is in place. Travel may be required as projects demand.

Key requirements

• 3+ years’ work experience in a consultancy business, research organization, or a BOP client area.
• High‑level quantitative research and analysis skills, including economic analysis, proficiency in Excel for modelling, and exceptional critical reasoning.
• Experience in impact studies, economic analysis, HM Treasury Green Book business cases, evaluations, or market/audience research.
• Strong report‑writing skills.
• Ability to write crisp business English, prepare well‑formatted reports, and present sharp analysis quickly.

Skills and experience

• A relevant (post‑)graduate level qualification, with an economics or related component.
• Experience with data analysis software.

Knowledge and expertise

• Subject areas: Economic and social analysis and modelling (impact assessment, Green Book business cases, etc.), Market research, Existing datasets related to our work, e.g., government datasets.
• Languages: languages other than English are valuable but not essential (e.g., Arabic, Mandarin, or Spanish).

Personal attributes

• Passionate about personal growth.
• Detail‑focused with a belief in rigour and excellence.
• Client‑focused – engaged and responsive.
• Committed to progress and positive change in the sector.
• Well prepared, organised and efficient.
• Proactive and self‑organising.

About BOP

BOP Consulting is a global research and consulting practice for culture and the creative economy. Our economics, research and evaluation practice is a market leader and, for 25 years, has delivered robust, rigorous analysis and research that measures, understands and evidences the impact of the sector. Our flagship reports include work for UNESCO, Edinburgh Festivals, DCMS, and many major cultural institutions. We are open to applicants in both our Manchester and London offices, but are primarily seeking candidates for our Manchester office, established in March 2026. This is a great opportunity to help BOP develop its presence in the city, supporting the Office Heads to deliver work across the UK and overseas from the Manchester base. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We want to make sure our workforce is diverse and representative of the communities we work with, and that our opportunities are open to all.

Applying for the role

If you have any questions or wish to organise a discussion about the role and working at BOP, please email kristina@bop.co.uk. To apply, submit your survey response and short CV by 23:59 on Friday 7th August 2026.