Economist

Arup; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup in the Midlands is seeking an Economist to join our growing Economics team. You will work across projects to shape infrastructure, development, policy, investment and place through rigorous economic analysis.

You will analyse quantitative and qualitative data, contribute to business cases, cost-benefit and value-for-money studies, and present clear narratives and dashboards for clients and stakeholders. Collaboration across disciplines is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics or related discipline.
• Strong analytical and research skills with quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience or interest in economic appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, monitoring & evaluation, socioeconomic assessment, regeneration, development economics or place-based strategy.
• Ability to translate complex evidence into clear insights and recommendations with strong written communication.
• Collaborative and curious approach with ability to manage multiple tasks across sectors.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to business cases and economic appraisals.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Undertake socioeconomic research and impact assessments.
• Translate findings into clear narratives, reports, presentations and dashboards.
• Support client engagement, bids and development of the Economics capability.

Skills

Analytical & research skills

Economic appraisal

Policy/public sector knowledge

Collaborative & curious approach

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in economics or related discipline

Job description

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Our Economics team works across disciplines to help clients understand the economic, social and wider impacts of investment and policy decisions. Working alongside colleagues in transport, planning, environment, energy, water, digital, design and engineering, we bring economic insight to complex challenges and help create better outcomes for places, communities and society.

We are looking for an Economist to join our growing Economics team in the Midlands and West.

This is an opportunity to work across a varied portfolio of projects where economics is used to shape better decisions around infrastructure, development, policy, investment and place. You could be contributing to business cases and economic appraisals, developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, undertaking socioeconomic research or helping clients understand the benefits and impacts of proposed investment. You will analyse quantitative and qualitative evidence from public datasets, client information, surveys and stakeholder engagement, translating your findings into clear economic narratives, reports, presentations, dashboards and other outputs.

Working closely with senior economists and multidisciplinary project teams, you will contribute to feasibility studies, options assessments, cost-benefit and value-for-money analysis, benefits assessment, socioeconomic impact work and wider advisory commissions. You will also have opportunities to support client and stakeholder engagement and contribute to bids, proposals and the continued development of our Economics capability. The breadth of our work means you will have opportunities to build your skills across different sectors and methods. You might already have experience in areas such as transport, planning, regeneration, development, energy, water, environmental economics or public policy, or you may bring strong economic and analytical skills that you are keen to apply to new sectors.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people who have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in economics or a related discipline, such as transport, planning, geography, public policy, environmental economics or urban development.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with confidence working with quantitative and qualitative data and communicating findings clearly.
• Experience or a strong interest in areas such as economic appraisal and business cases, cost-benefit analysis, monitoring and evaluation, socioeconomic assessment, regeneration, development economics or place-based strategy.
• An ability to turn complex evidence into clear, concise and practical insights and recommendations, with strong written communication and attention to detail.
• A collaborative and curious approach, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and an interest in applying economics to different sectors and challenges.

Knowledge of frameworks and guidance including the HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book, Better Business Cases and Department for Transport Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) would be beneficial, rather than essential.

We are particularly interested in people who are curious about the economic, social and environmental issues shaping investment and development, including decarbonisation, inclusive growth, housing, employment, productivity, placemaking, resilience and regional development.

Not ready to apply just yet or have some questions? Contact Drina Zupanovic at [e-mail] - Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

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 benefits to 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.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online –

Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

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.

Closing Date:

30.11.2026

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.

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