Principal Evaluation and Social Research Consultant

Overview

Are you eager to use your social research and evaluation skills to support organisations such as Department for Transport and National Highways to reduce carbon emissions from transport, improve road safety, and support the adoption of new technologies? Would you relish the opportunity to contribute to work that can make a difference to people such as vulnerable transport users and potentially excluded groups?

We have an opportunity for an experienced evaluator, social researcher or benefits management specialist to play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality evaluation projects for public and private sector clients. You will work with clients across local and central government to understand what works, why it works, and for whom, supporting the development of robust insight and evidence on the impacts of transport on people and society.

We are keen to hear from candidates with location preferences across any of our UK network of offices, working alongside our growing team of social and behavioural researchers based in Birmingham, Bristol, Epsom, London (Victoria) and Manchester, or our other hubs in Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh or York.

You'll combine a strong understanding of evaluation theory with excellent project management and client engagement skills. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring experience in evaluation theory, benefits management, data analysis, digital tools and AI-enabled approaches to evaluation. You will lead and support the delivery of mixed-methods evaluation projects, advise clients on proportionate and robust methodological approaches, and contribute to the continued growth of AtkinsRéalis' research and evaluation offer.

We are looking for Principal level Evaluation and Social Research Consultant to join our ambitious, friendly and growing team that combines specialists in social research, behavioural science and evaluation, delivering projects for a range of local and national transport bodies. Evaluation and social research are vital for transport policy and planning. They provide essential evidence to design successful policies, programmes and interventions, and to understand the impacts of transport investments on people, places and economies.

• Work on varied and meaningful evaluation projects across the UK.

• Collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines and sectors.

• Help grow an important area of transport planning, policy and consultancy work.

• Shape how clients use evidence, data and insight to improve outcomes.

• Develop your technical, commercial and leadership skills.

• Contribute to an inclusive, supportive and forward-looking team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, adaptable and collaborative evaluator or social researcher who can make a positive contribution to our growing team. You should be flexible, self‑motivated, and able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and technical experience commensurate with your level of experience. We are particularly interested in applications from people who have worked in market research, evaluation, or economics who a passion for robust evidence and insight.

Knowledge of the transport sector is not essential, but an interest and willingness to learn is desirable.

Essential experience

• Experience of designing and delivering evaluations of policies, programmes or projects in public policy, local government, transport, infrastructure, social value, regeneration or related sectors.

• Experience of developing theories of change, evaluation frameworks, benefits realisation plans or monitoring and evaluation strategies. This includes experience of applying UK Government guidance such as the Magenta Book, Green Book, Transport Analysis Guidance or other relevant evaluation and appraisal frameworks.

• Experience of leading and contributing to proposals, bids or business development activity.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage tasks, budgets, timelines, risks and project teams.

• Experience of working with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs, shape evaluation questions and communicate findings clearly.

• Communication: experience of producing high-quality written outputs, including evaluation reports, technical notes, briefing papers and presentations, and ability to translate complex evidence into clear, actionable recommendations for clients and senior stakeholders.

• Evidence-informed decision making: a clear understanding of how evaluation evidence can support…