Economist

Arup; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit Sharing

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Accident insurance

Income protection

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arup is seeking an Economist to join its Midlands and West Economics team. You will help shape decisions on infrastructure, development, policy and place by translating data into clear economic narratives, reports and outputs.

You will work with senior economists and multidisciplinary teams, contributing to business cases, appraisals and socio-economic research while supporting bids and client engagement. You will apply quantitative and qualitative evidence from diverse sources, delivering

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in economics or a related discipline (e.g., transport, planning, geography, public policy, urban development).
• Strong analytical and research skills with confidence in using quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience or strong interest in economic appraisal, business cases, cost-benefit analysis, monitoring and evaluation, regeneration, development economics or place-based strategy.
• Ability to turn complex evidence into clear, concise insights and actionable recommendations with strong written communication.
• Collaborative and curious approach with ability to manage multiple tasks across sectors.
• Knowledge of frameworks such as HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book, Better Business Cases; TAG knowledge is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Analyse quantitative and qualitative evidence from datasets, surveys and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop reports, presentations, dashboards and outputs conveying economic narratives.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, options assessments, cost-benefit and value-for-money analyses.
• Support client and stakeholder engagement and contribute to bids and proposals.
• Develop and apply monitoring and evaluation frameworks across varied sectors.

Skills

Economics degree

Analytical skills

Research skills

Data interpretation

Clear written communication

Collaborative mindset

Ability to translate evidence into in‑

Education

Degree in economics or related discipline

Job description

Joining Arup

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.

The Opportunity

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.

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.