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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 team.
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 and socio-economics fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the HM Treasury Green Book and other relevant government guidance. Understanding these frameworks will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with socio-economic assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on and the impact they had on communities or stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any mentoring or management experience you have. The role involves supporting junior colleagues, so demonstrating your ability to lead and develop others will be a significant advantage.
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. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in areas like EIA processes and policy frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for socio-economics and economic development. Mention how your background aligns with the company's values and the specific role, emphasising your leadership skills and experience mentoring others.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to socio-economic assessments, data analysis, and client engagement. Mention any familiarity with HM Treasury Green Book and your experience in competitive tendering.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Consider including examples of presentations or reports you've delivered in previous roles.
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.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Policies
Brush up on UK socio-economic data sources, policy frameworks, and guidance like the HM Treasury Green Book. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Since the role involves working closely with local authorities and other stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your experience mentoring junior colleagues and how you can contribute to a collaborative culture.
