Associate Director – Economic Advisory

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… As one of the world’s leading advisory, engineering, professional services and technical consultancy firms, at WSP we’re passionate about the big questions. And big answers, naturally. For us that’s all about reaching beyond the expected, to do work that will make a profound impact, felt long into the future. We are seeking to recruit an Associate Director, based in the UK, to join our Economic Advisory team. Our work is split between the UK and international markets. The team – led by Prof Jim Coleman – undertakes a wide variety of work to support clients in both the public and private sectors to develop place-based or industry strategy, make informed policy decisions and secure investment for major urban projects.

Our core work covers economic analysis and modelling, economic and industry strategy, economic masterplanning, economic appraisal and business case, as well as technical and commercial due diligence to support funding decisions. Our UK work is influenced by some of the current Government’s main policy agendas, including the Growth Mission, National Industrial Strategy, Net Zero commitments, sub-regional devolution and local government reorganisation. This is shaping the economic and technical analysis we apply to areas such as green economy transition, renewable energy, environmental strategy and appraisal, future mobility, digital technology, defence & security, sustainability and climate finance.

Your work will typically include:

• Identifying issues and generating evidence relevant for sustainable and resilient economic development, target industry sectors and infrastructure investment proposals
• Analysing economic, social, real estate, financial and spatial data
• Developing models to assess the economic and financial performance of places, industries or infrastructure assets
• Working on economic/industry strategies and regeneration programming
• Determining how places can develop pathways to Net Zero that stimulate sustainable economic growth
• Drafting business cases, due diligence assessments and client-focused reporting
• Looking at ways to utilise AI and other technologies in our analysis and case-making
• Creating economic and financial models to understand the viability of projects and investment propositions
• Aligning economic, sectoral and infrastructure planning with targeted social value outcomes
• Working with colleagues across the business in a range of disciplines including energy, digital technology, transport & mobility, environment & natural capital, defence & security, and structural engineering.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• An extensive working foundation in the fields of economic advisory/consulting, economic development, real estate advisory or infrastructure appraisal
• Strong capabilities in project and team management, financial and operational management and supporting junior colleagues
• A track record in strategy development for high profile public and private sector clients in the UK and internationally.
• Significant previous experience with a recognised consulting organisation would be desirable
• Significant experience of quantitative economic modelling, economic appraisal and economic impact assessment, along with familiarity of design, development and use of financial or business case modelling techniques
• An exceptional understanding of, and good networks with, city administration, and wider government clients in the UK and globally, as well as high profile international real estate developers
• Be a proven work winner with a track record of managing project-based consulting teams and addressing client needs effectively
• Demonstrate an understanding of urban/city challenges and the value of providing an integrated offer including economics, planning and technical infrastructure expertise.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.