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- Tasks: Lead socio-economic assessments and support strategic development planning across diverse projects.
- Company: Join a respected environmental organisation known for impactful socio-economic and policy work.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture while shaping the future of economic development.
- Qualifications: Degree in economics or related field; experience in socio-economic analysis and EIA process required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and mentoring junior colleagues in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 58000 £ per year.
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.
Economic Development Specialist employer: Red Personnel
Contact Detail:
Red Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the economic development field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and policies in socio-economics and environmental assessments. Being well-versed in current issues will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to socio-economic assessments or EIA processes. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved to showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your experience aligns with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in economic development and socio-economic analysis. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that align with the job description, particularly those involving EIA processes or public policy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for socio-economics and economic development. Mention your understanding of UK socio-economic data sources and how your background aligns with the organisation's values and mission.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves mentoring junior colleagues and leading projects, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss any previous roles where you managed teams or contributed to business development initiatives.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, provide examples of your written and verbal communication skills. Mention any presentations at Examinations in Public (EIPs) or similar experiences that demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Personnel
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your background in economic development and socio-economic analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Mindset
The organisation is looking for someone with a strategic approach. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to long-term sustainability and social value in previous roles, and be ready to discuss your vision for the future of socio-economics in their projects.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and culture. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around professionalism, integrity, and community. This will show that you are a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves working closely with local authorities and developers, think of scenarios where you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships and managing expectations.
