Socio-Economics - Associate to Director; Planning

Socio-Economics - Associate to Director (Planning)

London, UK (Hybrid)

60  base (Seniority dependant)

Our client is an independent planning and development consultancy whose socio-economics team shapes how some of the UK's largest regeneration, mixed-use and infrastructure schemes are assessed and delivered. This is a senior appointment for someone ready to lead the delivery of socio-economic and regeneration advice, own the commercials behind it, and act as a trusted point of contact for major clients.

The level is flexible for the right person, from Associate up to Director, and the role carries real scope to shape the team and its work.

Our client is a well-regarded independent consultancy, known for incisive thinking, attention to detail and honest commercial advice across the public and private sectors. The socio-economics team brings together people from varied academic backgrounds to advise on the impact of development on economies, communities and places. Culture is taken seriously here. Senior people are given genuine autonomy and a real budget to build their own client relationships, host events and grow a name in the market.

It suits someone ambitious who wants ownership and influence, not a narrow brief.

• Lead the delivery of socio-economic and regeneration advice on complex projects, producing robust assessments, business cases and reports with minimal senior input.
• Own project commercials, from fee bids and tenders through to budgets, billing and risk.
• Represent clients at public inquiries, committee hearings and stakeholder forums, defending positions and articulating the rationale behind proposals.
• Build and grow client relationships, win new work, and mentor and manage junior colleagues and external consultants.

• Substantial experience in socio-economics, regeneration or development economics within a planning context.
• A track record of leading delivery on medium to large-scale schemes with limited supervision.
• Strong grasp of the England planning system, relevant case law, and socio-economic assessment within Environmental Statements.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing project finances, and an established or emerging industry reputation.
• RTPI, RICS or IEMA accreditation (or working towards) is desirable, as is comfort using AI tools for research and analysis.
• 36 days annual leave including bank holidays, rising with service, with the option to buy more.
• Bonus schemes, private medical and dental insurance, and life assurance.
• Hybrid and flexible working, family-friendly policies and a workplace nursery scheme.
• A genuine budget and the autonomy to build client relationships and raise your profile in the market.
• Funded professional memberships, mentoring and structured development.