Senior Consultant / Associate - Economics in Manchester)

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Manchester seeks a Senior Consultant to lead economic assessments for planning projects. This role requires strong analytical and commercial skills, along with experience in socio-economic assessments. The successful candidate will contribute to high-profile projects and work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development and progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid and flexible working

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience in economic consultancy or socio-economic assessment is preferred.
• Confidence in presenting technical work clearly to clients.
• Experience with economic impact assessments is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic assessment work for planning applications.
• Prepare economic impact assessments and socio-economic chapters.
• Conduct data analysis and market research.
• Support strategic planning and local plan evidence.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical ability

Commercial awareness

Quantitative research skills

Qualitative research skills

Client management

Written communication

Education

Degree in Economics, Planning, Geography or related field

Job description

Senior Consultant (Economics)

Location: Manchester

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a respected, multidisciplinary consultancy in their search for a Senior Consultant to join their Manchester team. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical, commercially minded professional who enjoys working at the intersection of economics, planning, and development—helping shape evidence that supports major schemes across the UK.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Exposure to significant development, regeneration and planning projects
• Clear progression within a growing national team
• Supportive environment with ongoing training and mentorship
• Professional development support, including chartership routes

The Role

As a Senior Consultant, you will contribute to and lead economic assessment work for planning applications, regeneration strategies, socio‑economic studies and evidence bases for local plans. You will work closely with planners, impact assessors and design teams to prepare clear, data‑driven reports that help shape development decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing economic impact assessments, socio‑economic chapters and supporting evidence
• Contributing to economic inputs for planning submissions, EIAs and appeals
• Carrying out data analysis, demographic profiling, market research and employment forecasting
• Supporting strategic planning work and local plan evidence
• Preparing business case inputs and funding support where required
• Liaising with clients, local authorities and stakeholders
• Helping support and mentor junior team members
• Assisting with fee proposals, client management and business development

About You

The ideal Senior Consultant will bring strong analytical ability, commercial awareness and experience producing economic or socio‑economic assessments for planning and development projects.

Requirements:

• Degree in Economics, Planning, Geography or related field
• Experience working in economic consultancy, socio‑economic assessment, or a similar analytical role
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Excellent written communication with the ability to present technical work clearly
• Confidence working with clients and managing deadlines
• Experience with economic impact assessments or socio‑economic reporting is highly beneficial

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Consultant seeking progression, high‑profile project exposure and a genuinely supportive team environment.

If you are interested in this Senior Consultant position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.