Principal Economist (Strategic Planning)
Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE
An established UK consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to join their Economics team. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional to take on a key role delivering high-quality economic insight, policy analysis, and strategic advice for clients across the development and public sectors.
About the Role
The successful candidate will play an integral role in delivering a wide range of projects related to economic development, housing, planning, and regeneration. Working within a collaborative and high-performing team, you’ll help shape strategies that support investment, growth, and sustainability across UK regions.
Key responsibilities include:
Preparing Green Book appraisals and business cases for funding applications.
Producing socio-economic, health, and related impact assessments.
Conducting research, interpreting economic and demographic data, and preparing concise analytical reports.
Managing smaller projects and contributing to larger multi-disciplinary workstreams.
Supporting client engagement and managing relationships to ensure successful project outcomes.
Drafting proposals and contributing to bids.
Keeping abreast of emerging policy and best practice in planning, regeneration, and impact assessment.About You
You’ll bring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and a passion for shaping the economic and social dimensions of development.
Essential skills and experience:
Minimum 5 years’ relevant consultancy experience within UK local or regional economic development.
Excellent analytical and data handling skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.
Proven experience managing client relationships and contributing to project delivery.Desirable:
Degree in Economics, Geography, Planning, or a related discipline.
Experience using GIS software.
Understanding of planning policy, urban regeneration, and cost-benefit analysis.
Full UK driving licence (beneficial but not essential).Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits
25 days annual leave (plus option to purchase additional)
Health and wellbeing package
Up to 9% matched pension contribution
Contribution towards annual company trip or alternative team event
Opportunities for continued professional development and progressionWhy Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected consultancy known for its collaborative culture, high-quality output, and opportunities to work on complex, meaningful projects shaping communities and places across the UK.
To submit your application simply apply to this advert or reach out to Charlotte Lavender at Aztrum for more information