Principal Economist[1125973]

ADAS; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Economist to lead complex economic research projects and provide strategic advice to clients on land use, food systems, and climate resilience. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree in Economics, at least 10 years of experience, and strong communication skills. This role offers competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Life assurance

Health cash plan

Discounted gym membership

Continuing Professional Development

Volunteer days

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in applied economic analysis.
• Proven track record of delivering consultancy or research projects.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU agricultural and environmental policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex economic research and consultancy projects.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on land use and climate resilience.
• Mentor junior colleagues to enhance environmental stewardship.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Strategic Business Development

Project Management

Economic Evaluation methods

Communication Skills

Education

Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Economics or related field

Job description

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As a Principal Economist, you will lead the delivery of complex economic research and consultancy projects, provide strategic advice to clients, and contribute to the growth of our economics team. You will work at the interface of science, policy, and economics, helping clients make informed decisions on land use, food systems, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This role combines technical leadership, strategic client engagement, and mentoring of junior colleagues to support environmental stewardship and the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The role is ideal for a dynamic, forward-thinking professional who thrives on intellectual challenge, leadership, and making a measurable difference in society.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership and Delivery
• Strategic Business Development
• Project and Contract Management
• Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in applied economic analysis, with a strong focus on agricultural and environmental policy.
• Proven track record of delivering consultancy or research projects for public or private sector clients.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU agricultural and environmental policy landscapes.
• Proficiency in economic evaluation methods (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, impact assessments, econometrics).
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, client presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Commercial awareness and experience in winning and managing consultancy contracts.
• Experience working with or for UK government departments (e.g., Defra, Natural England, DESNZ, Environment Agency).
• Familiarity with natural capital accounting, ecosystem services valuation, or climate economics.
• Experience integrating economic and environmental data, including spatial analysis or GIS.
• Ability to work across disciplines and manage multi-partner projects.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements
• Life assurance
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan and discounted gym membership
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development and support Chartership to relevant professional bodies.
• Volunteer days allowing staff to support local good causes and environmental activities.

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#Economist #Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience