Senior Associate/Managing Consultant - Strategy & Risk Advisory in Leeds

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work? J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Managing Consultant to join our Strategy & Risk Advisory team to help drive the growth of our practice. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven person with a well-rounded skill set to join the growing Strategy & Risk Advisory team within the Global Risk practice. The ideal person for this role will have a strong area of regional expertise (either Middle East, Russia/FSU or Francophone Africa) and will have extensive experience delivering both political risk and business intelligence projects.

The successful applicant will play a leading role in implementing projects for our clients across a wide range of jurisdictions, especially in those that fall under their area of expertise. They will be responsible for implementing or managing political risk and business intelligence and risk projects, while also supporting and developing our high-level government engagement work in their region of expertise and beyond.

• Lead and deliver political risk and business intelligence projects, including scoping, analysis, stakeholder mapping, and high-quality client reporting.
• Provide expert regional insight (Middle East, Russia/FSU, or Francophone Africa), monitoring political, regulatory, and commercial developments for clients.
• Manage and execute multi-jurisdictional assignments, ensuring strong methodology, quality control, and timely delivery.
• Support and expand high-level government and stakeholder engagement, leveraging and proactively growing relevant networks.
• Serve as a trusted adviser to clients, communicating complex developments clearly and discreetly, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing, thought leadership, and identifying new client opportunities.
• Mentor junior team members and support the development of analytical standards, best practices, and internal knowledge.
• Uphold rigorous ethical, legal, and compliance standards across all research, reporting, and client work.

• Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university in a relevant field (e.g., international relations); a master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Three to six years of experience managing or conducting complex, region-specific business intelligence or risk projects, particularly involving political analysis or stakeholder mapping; additional relevant experience is advantageous.
• Deep understanding of the region’s political and commercial landscape, gained through professional experience and/or having lived or worked in the area.
• Established networks across public and private sectors—such as journalists, government officials, and business leaders—with a proactive approach to expanding these relationships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, concise briefings and reports under tight deadlines and with minimal supervision.
• Highly dynamic, proactive, and self-motivated, with a strong ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Ability to serve clients with discretion, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Exposure to or experience in business development, with a genuine enthusiasm for expanding J.S. Held’s client base.
• Professional proficiency in French, Arabic, or Russian (in addition to excellent English); knowledge of other languages is an asset.

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs. Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed.

Flexible Time Off Policy, Global Medical Insurance, Life Assurance.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal! J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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