Consultant; Local Economic Development

Final date to receive applications: 7 October 2026

Department: Growth

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Birmingham

Compensation: £32,805 - £41,282 / year

Contract type/Duration: Permanent

Working hours: Full Time 9 Day Fortnight working pattern

Band: 2.1

Salary: £32,805 - £41,282 Reports to: Head of Regional Delivery

Location: Birmingham

Closing date: 10am on the 7th of October 2026

As a Consultant in the Regional Delivery team, you will build up the place based knowledge base and design and delivery of projects that help places, public bodies, industry partners and government organisations make evidence‑based decisions about economic growth, innovation and place development.

You will undertake research, knowledge synthesis and economic analysis to transform diverse evidence sources into clear insights, practical recommendations and compelling client outputs. Working alongside experienced consultants and team leads, you will contribute to projects focused on regional economic development, innovation ecosystems, infrastructure, transport, digital transformation and place‑based growth.

The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop consulting, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills while working on nationally significant programmes in the devolution era.

• Conduct desk‑based research across economic, innovation, policy and place‑based topics.
• Review and synthesise evidence from reports, datasets, academic literature, stakeholder interviews and workshops.
• Identify key trends, opportunities, challenges and emerging policy developments affecting places and regions.
• Produce concise briefings, evidence reviews and insight papers for internal and external audiences.
• Translate complex evidence into accessible messages and actionable recommendations.

• Support economic analysis relating to regional growth, innovation, productivity, employment, skills and investment.
• Assist with data collection, cleansing and analysis using appropriate quantitative methods.
• Develop charts, dashboards and visualisations that communicate findings clearly.
• Support economic appraisal, impact assessment and benefits analysis activities.
• Contribute to benchmarking exercises comparing places, sectors or regions.

• Participate in client meetings, workshops and stakeholder discussions.
• Take notes, capture insights and support analysis of stakeholder perspectives.
• Build positive working relationships with clients, partners and collaborators.
• Demonstrate professionalism and represent the organisation positively in all interactions.

• Undertake research to support proposals, bids and opportunity development.
• Support the preparation of case studies, evidence packs and presentation materials.
• Contribute ideas and insights that help identify future opportunities.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in economics, public policy, social sciences, business, innovation studies or a related discipline.
• Understanding of economic development, innovation, regional growth or place‑based policy issues.
• Strong research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to present findings clearly through written reports and presentations.

• Curious and intellectually rigorous.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Collaborative and willing to learn from colleagues.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and complex challenges.
• Committed to inclusive and sustainable…