Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

Jacobs Technology Inc.; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Edinburgh is seeking a Principal Economics Consultant to lead high-impact projects in energy and infrastructure. Candidates should have a strong background in economic consulting, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. This role offers flexible working options as well as opportunities for professional development. Join the team to help shape sustainable projects that make a real difference.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible Work Arrangements

24 days holiday

Robust Pension Contributions

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Family Planning Support

Enhanced Parental Leave

Life assurance at 4x salary

Income Protection

Wellbeing Hub

Professional Development

Community Engagement

Qualifications

• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Experience with market assessments and business case development.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to shape narratives.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact projects in energy, transport, and environment.
• Advise clients on strategy and transformation.
• Collaborate across sectors on project delivery.

Skills

Economic consulting

Strategic mindset

Stakeholder influence

Data analytics

Leadership

Education

Relevant academic qualifications in economics or public policy

Tools

Spreadsheet modelling

GIS

Big data tools

Job description

Principal Economics Consultant / Associate Director / Senior Associate

Jacobs Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

• At Jacobs, your work will shape the future of infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development.
• As a Principal Consultant or Associate Director / Senior Associate in our Economics and Outcomes team, you’ll help clients make smarter, evidence‑based decisions that drive real‑world change.
• From energy transition and future mobility to placemaking and climate response, your insights will influence national strategies, unlock investment, and deliver social value.
• This is your opportunity to lead meaningful projects, guide strategic thinking, and contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable world.

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 – compensation that reflects your skills and experience.
• ⌚ Flexible Work Arrangements – hybrid, part‑time, and flexible working hours, patterns and locations.
• 🏖️ 24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days.
• 👵 Robust Pension Contributions – enhanced pension contributions up to 10%.
• ⚕️ Comprehensive Health Coverage – single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add partner and family.
• 👶 Family Planning Support – access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• 👨👩👧👦 Enhanced Parental Leave – enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programmes.
• 4️⃣ Life assurance at 4x your salary.
• ♿ Income Protection – financial security in case of long‑term illness or injury.
• 😄 Wellbeing Hub – free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn.
• 💼 Professional Development – we cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities.
• 😇 Community Engagement – participate in charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Locations

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

Contract Type

Permanent, Full‑Time 40 hours

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.

Ready to make a difference? Apply NOW!

Jacobs operates a hybrid work environment and a 40‑hour working week as standard. Join the team and help us create a better world.

Our Values & Culture

Jacobs operates with safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging at its core. We put people at the heart of our business and champion diverse perspectives and lived experiences. As a disability‑confident employer, we interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria and welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working or who may not meet all listed requirements. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including employee networks, communities of practice and find‑your‑community initiatives.

Equal Opportunity

We value collaboration, and in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations. Your application experience is important to us; if you need support or reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.