Economic Development Consultant

Socio-Economics and Economic Development Consultant Location: London, Brighton, Bristol or Warrington (hybrid working available) Salary: London-based: £55,000 to £58,000 | Outside London: £50,000 to £53,000 Contract: Permanent opportunity We are working in partnership with an independent environmental organisation recognised for its meaningful and technically robust work across socio-economics, economic development, environmental assessment, and policy. The organisation plays a vital role in helping public and private sector clients understand and respond to the social and economic impacts of major projects and strategies—both in the UK and internationally. With a collaborative, values-driven culture and a reputation for high-quality, award-winning work, the business continues to grow and expand its influence across a wide range of sectors. As part of this growth, they are seeking an experienced Consultant to lead and further develop their socio-economics and economic development offering. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong technical expertise and a strategic mindset to step into a visible leadership role. You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of projects, support junior colleagues, and play an important part in shaping the direction of a specialist team. The Role You will be responsible for delivering socio-economic assessments, supporting strategic development planning, and contributing to evidence-based policy work. Projects span both public and private sectors—including planning applications, regeneration schemes, levelling-up initiatives, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)—with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and social value. Working alongside experts in environmental policy, economics, and natural capital, you will: Lead socio-economic assessments, including within the EIA process Conduct social infrastructure and open space assessments Provide advice on subnational economic development and regional policy Work closely with local authorities, developers, and other public sector stakeholders Contribute to bids and business development initiatives About You To succeed in this role, you will bring a solid background in economic development and socio-economic analysis, ideally gained within consultancy, government, academia, or a relevant public policy environment. You will have: A degree in economics, geography, town planning, or a related social science Demonstrated experience in socio-economic and economic development analysis Experience preparing assessments within the EIA process A good understanding of UK socio-economic data sources and policy frameworks Familiarity with HM Treasury Green Book and other government guidance Excellent written and verbal communication skills Experience mentoring or managing junior colleagues Experience presenting at Examinations in Public (EIPs) International project experience Involvement in competitive tendering and client engagement Experience in Health Impact Assessment (HIA), especially within EIA or DCO contexts Ideal backgrounds include: Town Planning, Economic Development, Urban Studies, Public Policy, or consultancy roles at organisations – experience engineering, advisory and science-based expertise What’s on Offer You’ll be joining an organisation that actively supports both professional development and employee wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include: Enhanced pension contributions Private medical insurance Generous annual leave (with the option to purchase more) Flexible and hybrid working options Life assurance Season ticket and cycle-to-work schemes Structured CPD and training programme Employee recognition awards and mental health support The company fosters a collaborative, inclusive culture, built around shared values of professionalism, integrity, and community. If you\’re seeking a new challenge and want to make a real impact in a forward-thinking and growing consultancy, we’d love to hear from you