Director - Net Zero

SQW is looking for a Director or Associate Director to expand our policy evaluation and research offer in Net Zero transition, energy, and environment policy area, a strategic growth priority identified by both the new UK government and SQW.

SQW is a leading independent consultancy in economic and social development. Our 50 consultants are based at our offices in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, with a hybrid working approach in place.

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced policy evaluator and researcher to expand and build-out our offer in this area. You will work closely with senior colleagues and contribute to:

• Managing or directing policy evaluation and research projects at national, sub-national and local levels
• Providing specialist inputs across SQW’s wider portfolio of projects
• Leading business development activities in the Net Zero transition, energy, and environment policy area
• Contributing to marketing and thought leadership activities, building our profile and networks
• Developing internal capacity, competence, and knowledge in relevant policy and topic areas

Applicants should have expertise in policy evaluation and policy research methods, including:

• Excellent knowledge of evaluation techniques (experimental, quasi-experimental, theory-based), and quantitative and qualitative research and analysis
• Track record of managing or directing policy evaluation/research projects, especially in Net Zero transition, clean energy, and environment policy area
• Experience in one or more of the following domains as applied to Net Zero, clean energy and the environment:
  • Business support and enterprise development
  • Research and innovation
  • Green finance and investment
  • Skills, employment, and workforce development
  • Sustainable spatial development
• Excellent process and technical skills
• Proven ability to lead business development and revenue generation activities
• Strong strategic thinking and leadership qualities
• Evidence of successfully leading teams and developing junior members of staff
• Strong communication skills

A full job description is available attached to the job posting on the Careers page on our website.

What SQW Offers

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Flexible working arrangements
• Contributory pension scheme with up to 5% matching contributions
• Permanent health and Death in Service insurances
• Flexible benefit options, including private health and dental schemes for individuals and their dependents, health assessments, electric vehicle purchase and bikes to work scheme
• Support for continuous professional development.

SQW is committed to making a positive impact on our clients and society, delivering social value through our work. We maintain an active social value policy, and implement a programme of activities (including providing increasing opportunities for staff volunteering and fundraising, facilitated by an employee-led Charity Committee). We are committed to being a net zero company by 2030, which means that we will reduce our emissions as far as is practical and offset the remaining emissions.

The closing date for applications is 16 February 2025. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and so you are encouraged to apply early, stating clearly which office you are interested in (London, Manchester or Edinburgh).

Minority ethnicities are under-represented within consulting. To create meaningful change for our clients, our people and our communities, we need diverse talent combined with diverse ways of working. We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.