Associate Director - Economics & Case Making

Arup; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent consulting firm in Bristol seeks an experienced Associate Director to lead city economics and case making projects. Candidates should have deep experience in economic development and urban policy, with a strong ability to influence policy decisions. This role provides a platform for managing ambitious projects and mentoring talented professionals to impact regional growth positively.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Profit share

Qualifications

• Proven track record in city economics and policy-making.
• Experience mentoring teams and leading multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong networking skills with established connections in economics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the Mid-West economics and case making team.
• Develop and deliver high-quality business cases and strategies.
• Engage senior clients and stakeholders including C-suite.
• Shape and execute regional growth strategy.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Economic development

Urban policy

Infrastructure investment

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree in economics or a related field

Job description

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Associate Director - Economics & Case Making, Bristol

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Client:

Arup

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

6aa0a977323f

Job Views:

18

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding us how we shape a better world.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal opportunity to lead Arup’s City Economics and Case Making work across the Midlands, Southwest, and Wales. In this Associate Director role, you’ll drive forward integrated, multi-disciplinary projects that combine economic rigour with environmental and social impact—shaping vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable places. Working across housing, regeneration, transport and the green economy, you’ll have a platform to influence how city regions grow and thrive.

You’ll provide visionary leadership to our teams, mentoring and expanding a group of talented economists and strategy consultants. As a key player within our 80+ strong national practice, you’ll contribute to some of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure and regeneration investments, helping unlock funding, deliver complex business cases, and accelerate long-term change.

Is this role right for you?

If you’re a strategic thinker with deep experience in economic development, urban policy or infrastructure investment, this could be your next big challenge. You’ve built up a strong network and track record in city economics, and you’re ready to influence policy and investment decisions at scale—whether it's through thought leadership, C-suite engagement or the development of high-impact business cases.

You’re passionate about integrated delivery and thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments. You understand the power of data, strategy and design coming together to shape outcomes that matter—not just for clients, but for communities and the environment. Whether your expertise lies in local inclusive growth, devolution, energy, water, or transport, you bring clarity, insight and energy to every conversation.

Most importantly, you believe in people. You’re excited to grow and empower a diverse team of economists and consultants, sharing your knowledge and helping others thrive. You want to be part of an organisation with shared values and real purpose—and you're ready to help define where we go next.

Responsibilities

• Leading and growing the Mid-West economics and case making team, mentoring staff and identifying future opportunities
• Developing and delivering high-quality, multi-disciplinary business cases and strategies across sectors like housing, regeneration, energy and transport
• Engaging directly with clients and stakeholders at senior levels, including C-suite
• Shaping and executing a regional growth strategy across the Midlands, Southwest and Wales
• Driving strategic work-winning activity, forming strong, long-term client relationships
• Acting as a visible leader within Arup’s economics and strategy practice, contributing to national collaboration and thought leadership
• Representing Arup at events, conferences and in publications—sharing insight and influencing the future direction of our field
• Suitable KPIs and measures will be developed to support the role. These are likely to include income targets and win rates – reflective of the ambition to be more strategic in bidding - bidding less to win more.

What We Offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefitsto help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Our Application Process

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Recruitment Agencies-We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.