Head of Spatial Modelling & Research

Oxford Economics, a leading economic forecasting and consulting firm, is looking to hire a technically skilled economist to join our team and lead the technical implementation and continued development of our economic forecasting models and geospatial analytics capabilities. This is a leadership role, with a small technical research team reporting directly to the successful candidate. The team will play a fundamental part in supporting the wider cities team, and is expected to grow over time.

The role will focus on leading and line-managing that team in developing scalable analytical pipelines for quantitative modelling and steering our technical research into the use of emerging data science and spatial analytics techniques within our city and regional economic monitoring and forecasting services. The cities team consists of around 40 economists and data scientists who help clients understand the structure and outlook of thousands of locations across all parts of the world, as well as quantifying key risks under different economic scenarios and climate pathways. The team supports its client base through a range of subscription services and consultancy projects. The client base is global, and includes firms in the real estate sector, financial services, B2C companies, think tanks, and government/public sector organisations.

The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to conduct in-depth research focused on the intersection of economics and geospatial data. They will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining complex economic forecasting models and associated data pipelines, combining economic theory, econometrics, and geospatial analytics. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in data analysis and economic modelling, and the ability to use AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate model development, testing, and maintenance. In the role, they will collaborate with other teams at Oxford Economics, utilising different expertise to provide powerful solutions. The role involves working with diverse clients worldwide and therefore strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. The role also offers opportunities for international travel, including representing Oxford Economics as a speaker at relevant conferences and industry events.

The role will suit candidates with a strong academic background in economics, geography, data science, or a related discipline, and those with at least 10 years’ experience undertaking relevant work. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual to shape the direction of a growing research team. We offer a rewarding work environment with room for growth, a highly competitive salary package (including bonus plan), and an excellent benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical implementation and development of economic forecasting models, including city, regional, and hyperlocal applications;
• Ensure that Oxford Economics’ city forecasting models and analytical pipelines are technically robust, scalable, and aligned with the latest methodological developments;
• Present research findings to internal teams, clients, and stakeholders with clear, actionable recommendations, and raise the profile of our spatial research by securing and delivering speaking opportunities at relevant events, including internationally;
• Stay updated on the latest trends and methodologies in economics, data science, and geospatial technologies;
• Line-manage and lead a small team of economists and data scientists, setting priorities, planning and structuring technical development projects, and coordinating the team’s contributions;
• Take responsibility for the professional development of direct reports, sharing knowledge and expertise, mentoring junior colleagues, and bringing new ideas and techniques to the team;
• Design, code, implement, and maintain quantitative models to assess economic performance, spatial disparities, and the impact of geographic factors on economic activities;
• Develop and maintain complex modelling pipelines using Python and AI-assisted coding tools and agents, with a focus on efficient, reproducible, and scalable analytical workflows;
• Work with large-scale geospatial, economic, demographic, and company-level datasets, integrating them with economic indicators to generate actionable insights.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

The successful candidate will be expected to have at least 10 years of prior experience in quantitative economic modelling or data science, with a strong track record of developing and implementing complex analytical models. The successful candidate will be rigorous, adaptable, and creative in seeking solutions to difficult economic questions and should also have the following essential attributes:

• Strong academic education in economics, geography, data science, or a related discipline;
• Advanced programming skills, particularly in Python, alongside proficiency in geospatial analysis tools and spatial data libraries;
• Experience developing and implementing quantitative economic or demographic forecasting models;
• Experience with econometric, statistical forecasting, and other quantitative methods;
• In-depth knowledge of economic concepts, issues, and analytical techniques relevant to sub-national analysis;
• Ability to manage technical development tasks independently, coordinate with colleagues, and deliver robust analytical solutions to agreed timelines;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in explaining technical concepts and quantitative results to non-specialists;
• Proven experience managing and developing a team, including line management, sharing technical expertise, reviewing code, and supporting the development of junior colleagues;
• Experience using AI-assisted coding tools and agents to support software development, debugging, testing, and documentation, with an understanding of the importance of independent validation and quality assurance;
• Ability to problem-solve and produce innovative analysis across a range of different projects and challenges, including spatial, conceptual, strategic, and economic issues;
• Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying emerging business opportunities, and developing ways for the team to pursue them;
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

The following would also be desirable:

• Experience developing forecasting models for city, regional, or small-area applications;
• Experience with spatial econometrics and other spatial modelling techniques;
• Experience leveraging machine learning techniques for both classification and regression outputs.

Job Benefits

Here are some of the benefits we offer in the UK to ensure you feel valued, supported, and thrive at work:

• Private Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Oxford Economics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by the law.