Economist

Do you want your economic expertise to help shape decisions that have a real impact across the West Midlands? Are you creative and curious, with strong experience of demonstrating economic impacts and excellent understanding of policymaking? Do you have strong communication skills and a solution focused mindset to ensure things get delivered? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

We are looking for an Economist to join our Strategy Unit. In this role, you will deliver high-quality economic modelling, research and analysis that supports evidence-based policy and decision making across the region. Your work will help assess the economic, social and environmental impact of policies, programmes and investment, supporting delivery of our regional priorities, as set out in the West Midlands Growth Plan in line with our commitment to inclusive growth. By strengthening the evidence behind key decisions, you will help ensure our work delivers meaningful outcomes and value for money for communities across the West Midlands.

What you will be doing:

• Deliver high-quality economic modelling and analysis to inform policy, strategy and investment decisions.
• Apply Green Book, Aqua Book and Magenta Book guidance to assess the impact and value for money of proposals.
• Analyse and synthesise data from a range of sources and/or of varying complexity, to develop clear and robust insights.
• Maintain and develop economic datasets, models and analytical tools.
• Produce clear reports, dashboards and briefings for internal and external audiences.
• Support colleagues to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of proposed projects and investments.
• Design and manage both primary and secondary research and analytical projects, working with colleagues and external partners where required.
• Provide professional input to the design, delivery and quality assurance of a range of evaluations.

What's essential:

• A strong understanding of the West Midlands regional economy and the institutions that support economic development.
• Proven ability to design and deliver economic analysis to assess the impact of policies, using robust methodology and reporting reliable evidence which supports practical improvements or informs strategic decisions.
• Knowledge and application of the latest HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book and Five Case Model business case guidance for appraisal and evaluation, with an appreciation of the key levers or challenges for local government place making.
• Experience working with national and local datasets, including ONS economic, demographic, housing, transport or skills data.
• An influential communicator with the ability to explain the impact of investments in clear, creative and convincing ways, and communicate evidence so that it genuinely shapes decisions, priorities and projects.
• Highly motivated, with experience of working autonomously to achieve personal objectives and working collaboratively with others to include a broad range of perspectives to achieve shared objectives.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise and ensure the delivery of results.
• Experience using analytical MS office applications such as OneNote, MS Teams and analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel, Lists, Power BI or other software.

Location: The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply:

• Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
• Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Salary and benefits:

• We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point.
• In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate.
• This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers.
• Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions.
• EyeCare Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values:

• Collaborative Team Focused - working as part of a team, managing and leading.
• Service Driven - customer, resident and partner focused.
• Driven Empowered and Accountable - taking ownership and leading when needed.
• Performance Focused - being ambitious and going the extra mile.
• Inclusive One Organisation Mindset - believe in each other's expertise.
• Open and Honest Communication - we do what we say we are going to do.
• Innovative Forward Thinking - embrace change and open to new possibilities.
• Problem Solving - go for clear and simple whenever possible.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).