Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

Jacobs; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure and energy consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Economics Consultant or Associate Director. This role involves leading impactful projects across energy and transport sectors, advising both public and private clients, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have relevant qualifications in economics or related fields and significant experience in economic consulting. This position offers flexible working arrangements and a commitment to sustainable development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible work arrangements

24 days holiday

Robust pension contributions

Comprehensive health coverage

Family planning support

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance

Income protection

Access to wellbeing apps

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Strong strategic mindset with experience in business case development.
• Technical proficiency in data analytics and modelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact projects in energy, transport, environment.
• Advise clients on strategy, investment and transformation.
• Collaborate with technical delivery teams and strategic consultants.

Skills

Economic consulting experience

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Data analytics proficiency

Market assessments knowledge

Education

Relevant academic qualifications in economics, public policy, finance

Tools

GIS

Spreadsheet modelling

Big data tools

Job description

Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

At Jacobs, your work will shape the future of infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development.

As a Principal Consultant or Associate Director / Senior Associate in our Economics and Outcomes team, you'll help clients make smarter, evidence‑based decisions that drive real‑world change.

From energy transition and future mobility to placemaking and climate response, your insights will influence national strategies, unlock investment, and deliver social value.

What's in it for You?

Work on projects that matter – national infrastructure, sustainability, and social impact.

Collaborate with global experts and multidisciplinary teams.

Access leadership development and technical networks.

Enjoy flexible working and wellbeing support.

Be part of a company committed to inclusion, innovation, and going beyond.

We Offer

• Competitive salary: Compensation that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefit from hybrid, part‑time, and flexible working hours, patterns and locations.
• 24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days.
• Robust Pension Contributions: Enhanced pension contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add partner and family.
• Family Planning Support: Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs.
• 4 Life Assurance at 4x your salary.
• Income Protection: Financial security in case of long‑term illness or injury.
• Wellbeing Hub: Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn.
• Professional Development: Cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
• Locations: Manchester, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh (expansion plans in Dublin and Belfast).
• Contract Type: Permanent, Full‑Time 40 hours.
• Grade: Principal Consultant | Associate Director.

About the Opportunity

You’ll be part of Jacobs’ 1,000‑strong Programmes & Advisory team in Europe, working with global experts across disciplines. Our Economics and Outcomes capability provides cutting‑edge analysis and business case support to clients across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑impact projects in energy, transport, water, environment, and smart cities.
• Advise public and private sector clients on strategy, investment and transformation.
• Collaborate across sectors and capabilities, including technical delivery teams and strategic consultants.
• Shape the future of infrastructure with a focus on decarbonisation, digitalisation and sustainability.
• Grow your career through leadership opportunities, thought leadership and global networks.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic qualifications in economics, public policy, finance or related fields.
• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Strong strategic mindset with experience in market assessments, business case development and impact evaluation.
• Commercial acumen with experience in consultancy sales, project delivery and client engagement.
• Technical proficiency in spreadsheet modelling, GIS, data analytics and big data tools.
• Sector expertise in energy transition, infrastructure, regulation or digital transformation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape compelling narratives.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring teams and driving innovation.
• Passion for economics and strategic advisory, and the ability to deliver value across complex programmes.

Apply Now

Ready to make a difference? Apply now. Jacobs operates a hybrid work environment and a 40‑hour working week as standard.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Jacobs is a disability confident employer, and we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.