Senior/Principal Socio-Economics

WSP Global Inc.; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy firm in Birmingham is seeking a Senior or Principal Socio-Economics Consultant to drive economic growth and social value across multidisciplinary projects. Candidates should have a degree in economics or planning, experience in socio-economic assessments, and strong data analysis skills. This role offers an opportunity to influence a variety of sectors and work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in economics, planning or a related field.
• Keen interest in socio-economics (economic impact, social value).
• Experience in undertaking socio-economic assessments.

Responsibilities

• Developing socio-economic strategies for planning decisions.
• Undertaking Economic Impact Modelling for sites.
• Drafting Socio-Economic Statements for development proposals.

Skills

Socio-economic assessments

Data analysis

Communication

Planning knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Degree in economics, planning or related field

Tools

Data modelling tools

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

WSP is looking for a Senior or Principal Socio‑Economics Consultant to support a growing portfolio of complex and high‑profile projects. You will work alongside multidisciplinary services including town planning, masterplanning and urban design, transport, and strategic communications. Your expertise will drive economic growth, regeneration, social value and inclusive development across a variety of sectors.

• Eden Project Morecambe – new cultural and visitor offer supporting regeneration in Morecambe, Lancaster (opening 2026)
• South East Warrington Urban Extension – 4,000+ homes new urban extension
• Heathlands Garden Community – 5,000 homes, district centre, railway station; leading the Social Value Workstream and Equality Impact Assessment
• A29, Cookstown, Northern Ireland – Social Value engagement with the Department for Infrastructure

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Degree qualification in economics, planning or a related field
• Keen interest in socio‑economics (economic impact, social value, health, equalities, infrastructure delivery)
• Experience in undertaking socio‑economic assessments
• Strong data analysis skills
• Knowledge of UK planning policy and frameworks
• Extensive multidisciplinary work experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Technical Skills

• Socio‑economic research and data modelling
• Economic Impact Assessment
• EIA, Social Value Strategy, Health & Equality Impact Assessment
• Technical report writing and effective communication
• Project management and collaboration
• Client‑facing project delivery and work‑winning

Your day-to-day will include…

• Developing socio‑economic strategies and evidence to support planning and investment decisions
• Undertaking Economic Impact Modelling for sites (employment, skills, demographics)
• Drafting Socio‑Economic Statements and Impact Assessments for development proposals, regeneration schemes, and infrastructure projects
• Leading socio‑economic inputs within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to integrated planning, transport and sustainability strategies
• Attending stakeholder, design team, and client meetings to inform analysis and reporting
• Managing project delivery, including scope, programme and budgetary control across multiple commissions
• Collaborating with colleagues across WSP (Planning, Urban Design, Transport, Sustainability) to embed socio‑economic considerations in wider project advice
• Monitoring government guidance and best practice to inform client advice and project positioning

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and let us see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can – apply today.