Socio-Economics Associate Director — Hybrid

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Flexible working arrangements

Thrive wellbeing programme

Gymflex lifestyle benefits

Disability Confident employer

Job summary

WSP seeks an Associate/Associate Director to lead a socio-economics team across a growing portfolio of high-profile projects in the UK. You will drive delivery, advise clients on planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment, and oversee socio-economics reports and social value work.

You will manage staff, mentor teams, secure work, and collaborate with Planning, Urban Design, Transport and Sustainability colleagues across WSP.

Qualifications

• Established socio-economic assessment experience.
• Degree qualification in relevant disciplines such as economics, planning or a similar related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in socio-economics including IOS/EIA/SES topics and Social Value Advisory.
• Experience on large and complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience of managing client relationships and of project financial management.
• Experience of work winning and business development.
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• Chartered status and professional memberships desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading project delivery, providing technical direction and quality assurance across a diverse portfolio.
• Managing and developing the Socio-Economics team, including mentoring staff and overseeing resourcing.
• Acting as trusted adviser to clients, providing strategic advice on planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment projects.
• Reviewing and signing off technical reports, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Developing new business opportunities, preparing fee proposals and leading or supporting bids and tenders.
• Collaborating with colleagues across WSP (Planning, Urban Design, Transport, Sustainability).
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, local authorities, developers, and stakeholders.

Skills

Socio-economics assessment

Client relationships

Project financial management

Business development

Staff development

Communication skills

Chartered status desirable

Large and complex projects

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Degree in economics / planning or related field

Job description

WSP seeks an Associate/Associate Director to lead a socio-economics team across a growing portfolio of high-profile projects in the UK. You will drive delivery, advise clients on planning, regeneration, infrastructure and investment, and oversee socio-economics reports and social value work.

You will manage staff, mentor teams, secure work, and collaborate with Planning, Urban Design, Transport and Sustainability colleagues across WSP.