Consultant - Data Analysis & Research

PRD is a dynamic and progressive consultancy that helps local authorities, regional authorities, private sector businesses, and communities realise their potential. We work across economic strategy, social value, investment, regeneration and development, turning evidence into action that makes places better. We are a small team that has a big impact. In the last year, we have developed economic strategies and delivery plans for towns, cities, and local authorities across the UK, analysed shifting trends in London’s high streets since 2017, and helped councils prepare for local government reorganisation. We find innovative ways to solve the challenges our towns and communities face.

Good data and evidence is core to our approach. It helps us understand the challenges and opportunities in the places we work and underpins the strategies and advice we provide for clients. We are looking for a Consultant with strong data analysis skills. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality research and analysis for our clients using graphs, maps, and written reports.

About you

You have a demonstrable interest in cities and communities, with some experience of working in planning, regeneration, property, housing, or the built environment. You’re a thoughtful and thorough researcher who is eager to explore how places function and change. You’re able to communicate your findings clearly to colleagues, clients, and project partners. You’re confident with numbers and quantitative analysis, but keen to develop further skills in these areas. You actively seek opportunities to learn more about your field/interests, such as through attending events, networking, reading, or taking courses. You might not have managed projects in a ‘professional’ setting yet, but you have the foundational skills to get there, including being organised and a good communicator. You’re able to handle multiple projects concurrently and you keep colleagues up to date on progress towards your tasks or any challenges you’re facing.

You’ll like this job if…

• You’re interested in learning about different places and communities across the UK (and occasionally Ireland).
• You want to work on projects that can have a positive impact on people and places.
• You want exposure to a range of projects, from economic strategies to masterplan delivery programmes to commercial property market reviews.
• You’re driven to experiment with and explore data.
• You appreciate working in small teams with big ideas.
• You like sharing what you learn with others.

About the role

You will play an integral role supporting PRD’s social and economic research and strategy projects for public sector clients. Tasks include:

• Creating effective maps and charts with clear explanations of data and its implications.
• Presenting information to colleagues and clients in person and online.
• Working with colleagues to turn evidence into practical recommendations, strategies, and actions for our clients.
• Assisting with engagement activities (e.g. speaking with council officers, developers, local businesses).
• Building project management skills by taking responsibility for specific tasks or outputs within large-scale projects.
• Researching industry news and policy changes that affect our company.

You will work closely and effectively with PRD colleagues, with opportunities to share your knowledge and ideas with the team. You will also often work with external collaborators, who we partner with to bring a wide set of skills to projects.

Essential skills & attributes:

• Around one year of professional experience in quantitative data analysis, including finding, cleaning, critically analysing, and presenting insights from data, ideally in a built environment context.
• Experience using data sources and repositories relating to UK geographies, economics, demographics, property, etc (e.g. ONS, Geographic Data Service, CoStar, Realyse, London Datastore).
• Experience or demonstrably strong interest in regeneration, cities and the built environment and generally exploring new ways of working in these areas.
• Ability to find connections and insights within data and to communicate these clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Inquisitive, methodical and attentive to detail.

Desirable skills & attributes:

• Experience with spatial analysis, preferably QGIS.
• Experience developing socioeconomic baselines.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent data visualisation skills.
• Knowledge of R or Python (but note this is NOT a data science role).

Behaviours & competencies:

• Time management: You manage your workload effectively and efficiently. You identify and communicate potential pinch-points and problems.
• Organisation: You can alternate between different projects and activities while retaining diligence and quality.
• Collaborative approach: You like being part of small teams where you can work with teammates with a broad range of skills and perspectives.
• Interpersonal skills: You can hold engaging discussions with colleagues, partners, and clients, and you can explain complex topics in a clear, engaging way.
• Analytical thinking: You take a logical approach to challenges and can identify key insights from data.
• Problem solving: You take initiative to overcome challenges and develop new ideas to move projects and ideas forward.

Salary & benefits:

• We operate hybrid working arrangements, whereby employees are in the office 3 days per week (including Wednesdays).
• Starting salary from £31,500.
• Employer pension contribution of 5% gross salary.
• Discretionary bonus based on personal and company performance.
• 25 days holiday (in addition to public holidays).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Paid sabbatical after long service.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Tate membership.
• Structured career progression plan and budget for training/professional development.
• Ringfenced volunteering time.

About PRD

Based just off Union Street in Southwark, London we are a focused team (about 15 of us) of subject area specialists who combine our skills around our shared passion for designing strategies to deliver more inclusive economies, impactful investment, and considered development. Our core work areas include:

• Evidence to inform action: In an increasingly complex world, decision-makers need clarity. We combine quantitative and qualitative social and economic evidence to help our clients make better-informed decisions. Our outputs illuminate lived experiences, economic challenges and opportunities, community strengths, and paths towards more inclusive, resilient economies.
• Progressive strategy design: We design visions, strategies, and plans to grow economies which are greener, fairer and more prosperous. Our advice is evidence-led, purpose-driven, and helps our clients to achieve better outcomes for their places and communities.
• Pathways to delivery: We support clients in making informed investment and development decisions that drive growth and create better places. The team has experience supporting some of the most interesting and challenging areas of the UK to develop holistic, progressive and transformative place and asset strategies.

Application process

Interviews are planned for w/c 10 August and w/c 17 August. They will last 90 minutes and take place in person at our office in central London. Please visit our website via the button below for information on how to apply.