Associate or Associate Director Transport Economist

Carrington West; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Transport Economist to lead economic appraisal and business case development. You will manage a growing team, support integrated land-use strategies, and build client relationships. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in transport economics and strong leadership skills. This position offers flexible working options and a competitive salary with professional development support.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working options

Collaborative and inclusive team culture

Competitive salary and benefits package

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport economic appraisal, financial modelling, and strategy/business case development.
• Familiarity with WebTAG, Green Book, and HM Treasury requirements.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of economic and financial appraisals for transport schemes.
• Develop business cases and investment strategies.
• Manage a growing team and inspire junior colleagues.
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Transport economic appraisal

Financial modelling

Strategy development

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification (TPP or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Associate to Associate Director - Transport Economist

Location: Birmingham, London, Manchester, Nottingham or Peterborough (with flexible remote working)

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Drive Smarter Investment in Sustainable Transport

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for evidence-based transport planning? Do you excel in economic appraisal, business case development, and the financial evaluation of transport schemes? If so, we are looking for an experienced Transport Economist to take a senior role in our clients' growing team. This role is ideal for candidates ready to step into an Associate or Associate Director position, taking a leadership role in delivering and expanding their economic consultancy offer across the UK.

The Role

We are seeking a senior-level Transport Economist to lead and grow their business case and transport appraisal capability across the UK. This role will involve:

• Leading the delivery of economic and financial appraisals for major and minor transport schemes.
• Developing business cases and investment strategies in line with DfT guidance and Green Book standards.
• Supporting integrated land-use and transport strategies, with a strong understanding of spatial growth, urban regeneration, and place-based economics.
• Managing a growing team, inspiring and supporting junior colleagues on their professional journeys.
• Building client relationships, contributing to business development and securing new work from both public and private sectors.
• Collaborating across disciplines to deliver joined-up, high-quality outcomes that stand up to public scrutiny and funding tests.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines technical excellence with leadership ability and commercial acumen.

Essential:

• Extensive experience in transport economic appraisal, financial modelling, and strategy/business case development.
• Familiarity with WebTAG, Green Book, and HM Treasury business case requirements.
• Experience with place-based approaches to appraisal (e.g. land value uplift, urban regeneration funding).
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary projects and client relationships.
• Experience managing and mentoring teams in a consultancy environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts for different audiences.
• A relevant professional qualification, such as TPP or equivalent.

Desirable:

• A strong network of industry contacts and active participation in the transport economics community.
• Involvement in thought leadership - through conferences, publications, or professional groups.
• Contribution to policy development, best practice, or standard-setting in the sector.

Why Join?

The company provides a work environment where passionate professionals can thrive.

You'll benefit from:

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including part-time arrangements.
• A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.
• Exciting, impactful projects that shape future transport policy and investment.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including salary sacrifice schemes.
• Clear progression pathways and support for your professional development.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to take your career to the next level and want to shape the future of sustainable transport investment, we'd love to hear from you.