Associate/Associate Director, Socio-Economics

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Chartership support

Thrive wellbeing programme

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate/Associate Director to lead a growing portfolio of socio-economics projects. You will oversee delivery, provide technical direction, and nurture client relationships across public and private sectors.

The role spans planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment opportunities. The position requires established socio-economic assessment experience, a relevant degree, and Chartered status desirable.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, planning or related field.
• Proven socio-economic assessment experience.
• Expertise in ES/HEIA/EIA, SVA, Health Impact, Equality Impact and Social Infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery and provide technical direction across a diverse portfolio.
• Manage Socio-Economics team including mentoring and resourcing.
• Advise clients on planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment.
• Review and sign off technical reports and bids.

Skills

Socio-econ assessment

Degree in economics/planning

Socio-economics expertise

Large complex projects

Client relationship mgmt

Project financial mgmt

Business development

Staff development

Chartered status desirable

Written and verbal comms

Education

Economics/planning degree

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

At WSP, you will benefit from our global reach, contribute to landmark projects, and collaborate with leading professionals in your field. Our culture values fresh thinking and diverse perspectives, offering a breadth of opportunity and the chance to shape a career that reflects your individual strengths and aspirations.

WSP currently has an opportunity for an Associate/Associate Director to lead a growing portfolio of complex and high-profile projects.

We work alongside WSP’s multidisciplinary services, including town planning, masterplanning and urban design, transport, and strategic communications, as well as a growing portfolio of external public and private sector clients.

We Have An Exciting Portfolio Of Projects Which Span a Number Of Sectors. You Will Work On a Wide Range Of Complex Projects, For Both Public And Private Sector Clients, Such As Large Scale Strategic New Settlements; Urban Regeneration; Culture And Tourism; Energy And Offshore Wind And Commercial Development

• Eden Project Morecambe - a new cultural and visitor offer for Morecambe that will support regeneration and economic diversification in the town centre and coastal area.
• Heathlands Garden Community - we are leading the Socio-Economics and Human Health ES Chapters, Social Value Workstream and Equality Impact Assessment for a new garden community of 5,000 new homes in Kent.
• Plymouth City Centre Living Programme - we are leading socio-economic, social infrastructure and social value advice for Plymouth's long-term city centre regeneration strategy, helping shape a vision for future growth, assessing infrastructure requirements to support new residents and businesses, and identifying opportunities to deliver lasting social value and community benefits through development.

Your New Role And Whats Involved.

We are looking for someone who can lead the socio-economics team, manage project delivery, provide technical oversight, maintain strong client relationships and support the continued growth of the business.

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate experience and expertise in the following areas.

Requirements

• Established socio-economic assessment experience
• Degree qualification in relevant disciplines such as economics, planning or a similar related field
• Demonstrable expertise in socio-economics, including Socio-Economics and Human Health Environmental Impact Assessment, Economic Impact Assessment, Social Value Advisory, Health Impact Assessment, Equality Impact Assessment and Social Infrastructure
• Experience of working on large and complex projects and in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience of managing client relationships
• Experience of project financial management
• Experience of work winning and business development
• Experience of managing and developing staff
• Chartered status and professional memberships desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Your day-to-day will include…

• Leading project delivery, providing technical direction and quality assurance across a diverse portfolio
• Managing and developing the Socio-Economics team, including mentoring staff and overseeing resourcing
• Acting as a trusted adviser to clients, providing strategic advice on planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment projects
• Reviewing and signing off technical reports, ensuring high-quality outputs
• Developing new business opportunities, preparing fee proposals and leading or supporting bids and tenders
• Collaborating with colleagues across WSP, such as those in Planning, Urban Design, Transport and Sustainability
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, local authorities, developers, public sector organisations and other key stakeholders

Supporting the strategic growth of the Socio-Economics service by identifying opportunities, developing client relationships and contributing to business planning and work-winning activities

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 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 11,000 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. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

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.

#WeAreWSP

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.