Principal Economist

Alma Economics; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma Economics is a UK-based team of economists, social researchers, data scientists and developers delivering insights across education, health, housing, environment and development. As Principal Economist you will lead multiple projects, manage a team of 2–4 economists, shape methodologies, and develop bids and client relationships to grow the business.

You will be mentored by top experts and work with senior leaders across functions.

Qualifications

• University-level economics background; MSc/PhD is a plus
• Fluency in English, written and spoken
• Experience in leadership roles in government, academia, consulting or voluntary sector
• Commercial experience in bids, proposals, budgets and business development
• Experience in at least one key policy area we cover

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of senior economists and researchers
• Manage project teams to deliver high-quality outputs
• Formulate strategies for project delivery, business development, and resource allocation
• Develop research techniques tailored to client needs
• Pursue new business opportunities and shape company direction
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic delivery and client engagement
• Build relationships with stakeholders and clients
• Provide thought leadership and guidance to colleagues
• Foster a collaborative team environment

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Team management

Communication

Education

Economics degree

Job description

Alma Economics combines unparalleled analytical expertise with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

We are a team of economists, social researchers, data scientists, developers and creatives working together on critical issues facing our society today. Our work spans multiple policy areas, including education, health and social care, housing and homelessness, the environment, public finance, and international development, among others.

Our diverse staff combines decades of experience in economic and social research at the highest levels with the ability to develop state-of-the-art tech tools and powerful communications.

We work with some of the most forward-thinking organisations in the voluntary, public, and private sectors. Our clients include most UK government departments, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government, councils across the country, arms-length bodies, and several leading charities.

Internationally, we work with major supranational organisations including the World Bank, UNICEF, the WHO, the OECD, and the European Commission, as well as a number of national governments in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

What you will do

As a Principal Economist at Alma Economics, you will take the lead on multiple projects, by designing and applying innovative analytical approaches on a variety of topics. You will have direct line management responsibilities for a team of 2-4 economists and other researchers, providing guidance on the application of theory and techniques. You’ll be responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of your team, providing thought leadership and guidance, and supporting them to enhance and develop their professional skills.

You’ll identify business development and marketing opportunities and lead on the preparation of bid materials and proposals to help grow our company’s capabilities, build client relationships, and expand our business.

You will be mentored by top experts in their field, helping develop your analysis, teamwork, and project-management skills. Successful candidates will work on projects that tackle the most critical challenges facing society today. You will work as part of multi-disciplinary teams and be immediately exposed to clients and our partners. You will interact with our senior leadership, Tech, Commercial, and Communications teams, gaining exposure to a range of projects and interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

At Alma, your ideas and ambition matter. Successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced workplace culture that values your contributions, with a continued focus on your professional growth and development.

Who we want to work with

You are an experienced leader and enjoy working with others. You take active steps to develop, support and inspire your colleagues.

Your technical economics abilities are exceptional, and you have strong project and stakeholder management skills. You excel at leading teams, enjoy working with others, and take active steps to support and develop your colleagues. You can explain complex ideas clearly and effectively.

You are always eager to learn and operate with integrity. As our work evolves, you'll have opportunities to expand your skills, satisfy your intellectual curiosity, and define your role in a dynamic environment.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a team of senior economists and researchers.
• Manage project teams to ensure delivery of high-quality outputs that meet or exceed company standards.
• Formulate strategies with senior staff for project delivery, business development and resource allocation.
• Develop research techniques and methodologies tailored to client needs and expectations.
• Actively pursue new business opportunities and help shape the company’s strategic direction.
• Collaborate with senior management to formulate strategies for project delivery, business development, and resource allocation.
• Engage and build relationships with stakeholders and clients.
• Provide thought leadership and direction to colleagues.
• Foster a collaborative and effective team environment.
• Reinforce company culture and values.

Requirements

• University-level degree in Economics, Econometrics, or a related field (MSc or PhD is a plus, though not required; candidates' knowledge of economics and ability to apply it will be assessed during the interview process).
• Fluency in English – both written and oral (fluency in other languages - including Greek - is a plus, but not necessary).
• Experience in leadership positions in government, academia, consulting, or the voluntary sector.
• Commercial experience, including developing bids and proposals, managing budgets, and contributing to business development.
• Experience in one or more of the key policy areas we cover.

Working arrangements

You will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the work we do from day one.

Alma Economics is a friendly and informal place, and our offices are designed for both work and play. Our team consists of enthusiastic and talented individuals, who love learning and are always ready to support others.

We do not have a one-size-fits-all WfH policy. Most staff members work from home for one or two days during a typical week, while it is also possible to arrange to WfH for more extended periods (e.g., 2-4 weeks) to visit family or travel.

While most staff work 5-day weeks, for most full-time positions we also offer the option of a 4-day working week, either from day one or as an arrangement employees can transition into later in their Alma career.

Our offices can accommodate disabled access, and we are committed to providing all necessary support to colleagues who require it, but we are also happy to consider remote working arrangements for applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from working on-site.