Principal Economist: Growth, Business and Labour Market Policy in Sheffield

Application Deadline: 1 March 2026

Department: Resources & Investment

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Director of Analysis, Insight and Performance

Compensation: £68,077 - £73,366 / year

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Grade 14 £68,077 - £73,366

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Are you ready to shape the future of South Yorkshire? At South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), we’re entering a pivotal phase. With new powers unlocked through devolution and the transition to an integrated settlement from April 2026, we’re scaling up our ambitions to deliver inclusive, sustainable growth for our communities. Evidence, insight and robust economic analysis will sit at the heart of how we invest, design policy and support South Yorkshire’s long‑term prosperity. This is your opportunity to play a leading role in that transformation.

We’re looking for an exceptional Principal Economist to be SYMCA’s senior economic adviser for growth, business and labour market policy. You’ll help shape decisions that will influence the region’s economy for decades – providing rigorous insight, building our analysis and appraisal capability and ensuring our investments are grounded in robust, Green Book–compliant economics.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter detailing how you meet the criteria as outlined within the role profile. The Hiring Team would like you to demonstrate how you meet the below criteria within your cover letter:

• Extensive experience applying economic concepts to policy, including Green Book–compliant appraisal and cost–benefit analysis.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills, with experience leading complex analytical projects that inform policy and investment decisions.
• Excellent analytical judgement, able to interpret, integrate and communicate complex insights clearly for technical and non‑technical audiences, from working level staff to Board members and political leaders.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with experience working across policy teams and external partners at a senior level.
• A track record of delivering at pace, balancing multiple priorities without compromising quality.
• Experience managing and developing analysts, supporting their growth and leading a high‑performing team.

About the role

As Principal Economist, you’ll lead the development and delivery of the economics and analysis work programme for the Growth, Business and Skills Directorate. You’ll advise Directors, Executive Team members and the Mayor of South Yorkshire on key strategic issues, shaping the policies and investments that drive our Growth Plan. Working collaboratively across analysis, strategy and policy teams, you’ll lead quantitative analysis on the South Yorkshire economy, support the development of compelling business cases, and translate complex economic insight into clear, practical recommendations. You’ll provide thought leadership on the region’s labour market, sectors and business ecosystem, bringing an expert understanding of data, modelling, appraisal and policy. You’ll also play a key outward‑facing role, building strong relationships with partners including local authorities, central government, research institutions and consultants, ensuring SYMCA’s economic capability reflects national best practice and emerging analytical tools, including AI. This is a senior, high-impact role where your insight will directly inform decisions that shape South Yorkshire’s future.

About you

We’re looking for an outstanding economist with:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics, and significant experience in central, local or regional government, consultancy, think tanks or research organisations.
• Extensive experience applying economic concepts to policy, including Green Book–compliant appraisal and cost–benefit analysis.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills, with experience leading complex analytical projects that inform policy and investment decisions.
• Excellent analytical judgement, able to interpret, integrate and communicate complex insights clearly for technical and non‑technical audiences, from working level staff to Board members and political leaders.
• The ability to anticipate and shape strategic priorities, planning analytical work across short-, medium- and long‑term time horizons.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to create clear, concise briefings and translate sophisticated analysis into accessible insight that drives action.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with experience working across policy teams and external partners at a senior level.
• A track record of delivering at pace, balancing multiple priorities without compromising quality.
• Experience managing and developing analysts, supporting their growth and leading a high‑performing team.
• Experience commissioning and managing consultants to deliver high‑quality analytical work (desirable).

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.