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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic research projects and develop evidence-based strategies for impactful outcomes.
- Company: Urban Foresight, a forward-thinking consultancy dedicated to improving futures for communities.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in economic development while working on diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in economic research and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor junior consultants in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Urban Foresight is a forward-thinking consultancy focused on creating better futures for places, people and public services. We are looking for an experienced consultant to join our Economic Development group. You will lead and grow a portfolio that turns research into evidence-based strategy, options appraisal, business cases and clear recommendations to improve outcomes. This permanent role will be based in one of our offices (Dundee or Newcastle) in line with your preferences.
What you’ll do
- Work closely with the Head of Economic Development to shape and deliver a portfolio growth plan, aligned to the Economic Development group strategy.
- Win work through client development, partnerships, proactive outreach, and compelling proposals.
- Direct and deliver research, evaluation and economic analysis; develop Green Book Five Case Model business cases and Magenta Book-aligned evaluations.
- Be responsible for the financial performance of your portfolio, including budgeting, pricing, margins, invoicing, and cost control.
- Plan resources and manage delivery across multiple projects, including contract and client management.
- Mentor and develop more junior consultants.
About you
The ideal candidate would have:
- Senior experience leading multi-project consultancy in economic research, evaluation, analysis, and economic development.
- Strong mixed-methods practice and proportionate evaluation design (Theory of Change, logic models, process and impact, value for money), applying Magenta Book principles.
- Green Book expertise, including options appraisal, cost–benefit analysis and Five Case Model business cases.
- Proven business development track record, including competitively awarded public sector contracts, with a good network across the public and private sector.
- Excellent writing and communication, and confident stakeholder engagement.
- Understanding of local/ regional government in the UK and the associated policy and funding frameworks.
Desirable experience would be:
- Comfortable undertaking and reviewing advanced analysis, such as econometrics or statistical modelling, data visualisation and business intelligence.
- Working knowledge of relevant UK datasets (e.g., ONS/NOMIS, IMD, DfT, Companies House, UKRI/DSIT) and how to brief and quality-assure analytical work.
- Experience with theory-based and participatory approaches (e.g., contribution analysis, realist, systems mapping).
How to apply
Send your CV and covering letter to people@urbanforesight.com by 10th February 2026. Please include your salary expectations and notice period. Urban Foresight is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Principal Consultant: Economic Research and Analysis in Dundee employer: Urban Foresight
Contact Detail:
Urban Foresight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant: Economic Research and Analysis in Dundee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the economic research field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to someone at Urban Foresight.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch ready! When you land that interview, be prepared to showcase your experience in leading multi-project consultancy. Highlight your success stories and how you've turned research into actionable strategies that improved outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your expertise! Brush up on the Green Book and Magenta Book principles, as well as your knowledge of local government policies. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Urban Foresight and contributing to our mission of creating better futures.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant: Economic Research and Analysis in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Consultant. Highlight your experience in economic research and analysis, and don’t forget to showcase your business development successes. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with our needs at Urban Foresight. We love a good story that shows your passion for economic development.
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to highlight your mixed-methods practice and any experience with the Green Book and Magenta Book principles. We’re looking for someone who can lead and deliver, so make those skills pop in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Foresight
✨Know Your Economic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of economic research and analysis. Familiarise yourself with the Green Book and Magenta Book principles, as well as the Five Case Model. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Skills
Prepare examples of your past successes in winning public sector contracts and developing client relationships. Urban Foresight values a strong business development track record, so be ready to share how you've built networks and secured projects in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Since you'll be managing multiple projects, come prepared with specific examples of how you've successfully planned resources and managed delivery. Highlight your budgeting and cost control experience, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice your communication skills, especially when it comes to engaging with stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex economic concepts to non-experts, as well as how you've mentored junior consultants in the past.
