Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

Jacobs Technology Inc.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Belfast seeks a Principal Economics Consultant to lead impactful projects in energy and transport. The role requires strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen along with relevant economic qualifications. Join a company committed to sustainability and innovation in infrastructure development. Flexible work arrangements and a competitive salary reflect your expertise.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible work arrangements

24 days holiday

Robust pension contributions

Comprehensive health coverage

Family planning support

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance

Income protection

Professional development opportunities

Community engagement initiatives

Qualifications

• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Experience in market assessments and business case development.
• Ability to influence stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact projects in energy, transport, and smart cities.
• Advise clients on strategy and investment transformations.
• Collaborate with technical delivery teams.

Skills

Economic consulting

Strategic mindset

Commercial acumen

Technical proficiency in data tools

Excellent communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

Relevant academic qualifications in economics or related fields

Tools

GIS

Data analytics

Spreadsheet modelling

Job description

Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

Jacobs, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

About the Opportunity

You’ll be part of Jacobs’ 1,000‑strong Programmes & Advisory team in Europe, working with global experts across disciplines. Our Economics and Outcomes capability provides cutting‑edge analysis and business case support to clients across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑impact projects in energy, transport, water, environment, and smart cities.
• Advise public and private sector clients on strategy, investment, and transformation.
• Collaborate across sectors and capabilities, including technical delivery teams and strategic consultants.
• Shape the future of infrastructure with a focus on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
• Grow your career through leadership opportunities, thought leadership, and global networks.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic qualifications in economics, public policy, finance, or related fields.
• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Strong strategic mindset, with experience in market assessments, business case development, and impact evaluation.
• Commercial acumen, with experience in consultancy sales, project delivery, and client engagement.
• Technical proficiency in spreadsheet modelling, GIS, data analytics, and big data tools.
• Sector expertise in energy transition, infrastructure, regulation, or digital transformation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape compelling narratives.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring teams and driving innovation.

What’s in it for you

• Work on projects that matter – national infrastructure, sustainability, and social impact.
• Collaborate with global experts and multidisciplinary teams.
• Access leadership development and technical networks.
• Enjoy flexible working and wellbeing support.
• Be part of a company committed to inclusion, innovation, and going beyond.

We offer

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible work arrangements – hybrid, part‑time, and flexible hours.
• 24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days.
• Robust pension contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health coverage (single medical cover and digital GP service, with partner and family options).
• Family planning support – fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• Enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs.
• Life assurance at 4× your salary.
• Income protection for long‑term illness or injury.
• Wellbeing hub – free access to wellbeing apps.
• Professional development – we cover professional membership fees and provide CPD opportunities.
• Community engagement – charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations.

Location

Manchester, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh (with expansion plans in Dublin and Belfast)

Contract type

Permanent, full‑time, 40 hours per week.

Grade

Principal Consultant | Associate Director

Disability confident employer

Jacobs is a disability confident employer and will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.