Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh
Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis

Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Government Recruitment Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to analyse economic growth and productivity for impactful policy decisions.
  • Company: Join a dynamic government department shaping the UK's economic strategy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to influence real-time policy.
  • Other info: Engage in high-impact projects and collaborate across government for innovative solutions.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in economic policy while working closely with senior leaders and decision-makers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in economic analysis and leadership skills to manage a diverse team.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

The Analysis Group sits at the heart of the Department, providing the data, evidence and insight that underpin key decisions on trade, investment and growth. Our work supports Ministers, senior leaders and policy teams to make well-informed choices on some of the most important economic and strategic issues facing the UK.

We are a large, multidisciplinary community of analysts – economists, statisticians, data scientists and social and operational researchers – working across the breadth of the Department’s priorities. This gives colleagues in the Group a unique vista point: close to policy, close to Ministers senior decision-makers, and engaged in live, high-impact work that shapes outcomes in real time.

We work as a hub at the centre of the department within the Strategy and Growth Group, leading our own projects and partnering with analysts located in spoke teams around the department. Our analysts focus on live policy priorities, while also benefiting from being part of a strong central analytical community that values professional standards, peer support and continuous innovation.

Within the group, the Economy and Strategic Analysis Team performs a critical role providing the analytical brain behind all of DBT’s work on Growth, the delivering of the Industrial Strategy, macroeconomic analysis and futures & foresight. It is a linchpin team, directly supporting the Director of Analysis on priority projects in a fast-paced environment.

The Economy & Strategic Analysis (ESA) team leads analysis on economic growth and productivity within DBT. The team sits under the central Analysis Group, led by the Director of Analysis and Chief Economist Ben Cropper. ESA’s mission is to support DBT and wider Government to develop and deliver impactful and evidence-driven economic policy, by providing analytical support to the central growth strategy team and Industrial Strategy team in DBT; undertaking research and analysis to build the evidence base on challenges, opportunities, trends, and policy solutions in relationship to economic growth; and building DBT’s capability and understanding of economic policy and the UK economy.

The postholder will lead a multidisciplinary analysis team comprising c.25 analysts (mainly economists, one social researcher). The postholder will directly line manage four Grade 6 analysts, each of whom lead small teams with distinct responsibilities:

  • Head of Economy, Growth & Productivity Analysis
    • Leading briefing and analysis on the latest key economic developments and trends, including the UK macroeconomy
    • Building the evidence base on economic growth and productivity
    • Leading a business microdata unit looking at economic trends such as investment and market dynamism
    • Building the evidence on the link between inequality and economic growth
  • Head of Industrial Policy Analysis
    • Leading analysis on the Industrial Strategy in relation to ‘verticals’ (i.e. sectors and technologies)
    • Supporting analytical implementation of the Industrial Strategy, including monitoring & evaluation and delivery of eight Sector Plans
    • Providing analytical support to the Growth Policy Unit in the DBT Strategy directorate, undertaking analytical projects on economic growth
  • Head of Futures & Foresight Analysis
    • Using futures and foresight tools and techniques to build the evidence base on economic growth and productivity
    • Acting as a consultancy to DBT to support analytical and policy projects with futures and foresight tools and techniques
    • Building capability in and sharing internal and external insights from futures and foresight tools and techniques across DBT
  • Head of Economic Policy Analysis
    • Leading analysis on the Industrial Strategy in relation to 'horizontals' (i.e. cross-cutting policies such as skills and procurement) and place
    • Supporting analytical implementation of the Industrial Strategy
    • Building the evidence base on industrial policy

The postholder will also:

  • Support the Director of Analysis on cross-cutting and urgent priorities in relation to economic growth and domestic crises
  • Deputise for the Director of Analysis on the cross-Government Departmental Directors of Analysis Network (DDANs) and support on initiatives to modernise the analytical function within DBT
  • Provide secretariat for the Analysts for Growth Group – the analytical governance for the Growth Mission – with HM Treasury and Cabinet Office
  • Lead and participate in corporate initiatives with DBT and wider Government, as a senior leader
  • Work closely with analytical teams across Government, notably the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council analysts
  • Represent DBT externally at conferences and events on economic growth policy and analysis, including the Industrial Strategy

Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh employer: Government Recruitment Service

As a Deputy Director in the Economic and Strategic Analysis team, you will be part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary community that plays a pivotal role in shaping economic policy for the UK. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing ample opportunities for career advancement while directly influencing high-impact decisions at the heart of government. Located within a vibrant department, we offer a unique vantage point to engage with senior leaders and contribute to meaningful projects that drive national growth and productivity.
Government Recruitment Service

Contact Detail:

Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the Analysis Group. A friendly chat can open doors!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest economic trends and policies. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but passionate about economic growth and strategic analysis. Bring your insights to the table and make it a two-way conversation!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your analytical skills! We love candidates who can think critically and provide evidence-based solutions. Try mock interviews or case studies related to economic policy to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Analysis Group!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh

Economic Analysis
Data Analysis
Macroeconomic Analysis
Statistical Skills
Research Skills
Project Management
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Foresight Techniques
Policy Analysis
Team Management
Analytical Thinking
Stakeholder Engagement
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Analytical Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your analytical skills and experience. We want to see how you've used data and evidence to inform decisions in your past roles, especially in economic or strategic contexts.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Director role. Mention how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to understand your experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service

✨Know Your Economic Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest economic trends and policies, especially those related to growth and productivity. Being able to discuss current events and their implications for the UK economy will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also engaged with the field.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Director, you'll be leading a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and innovation among analysts.

✨Understand the Role of Analysis in Policy Making

Familiarise yourself with how analytical insights influence policy decisions. Be ready to discuss how you would support Ministers and senior leaders with data-driven recommendations, and think about specific examples where analysis has shaped policy outcomes.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges the Economy & Strategic Analysis Team might face and how you would approach them, demonstrating your foresight and analytical capabilities.

Deputy Director, Economic and Strategic Analysis in Edinburgh
Government Recruitment Service
Location: Edinburgh

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