Innovation jobs in United Kingdom

Jacobs – Manchester, England, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow. We solve 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.

• Shape the future of infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development.
• Help clients make evidence‑based decisions that drive real‑world change as part of the Economics and Outcomes team.
• Influence national strategies, unlock investment, and deliver social value across energy transition, future mobility, placemaking, and climate response.
• Lead meaningful projects, guide strategic thinking, and contribute to a connected, inclusive, and sustainable world.

• 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.

• Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• Flexible work arrangements – hybrid, part‑time, flexible hours and locations.
• 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 options to add partner and family.
• 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 like Calm and Daily Burn.
• Professional development – cover membership fees and CPD opportunities.
• Community engagement – participate in charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations.

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

Permanent, Full‑Time – 40 hours.

Principal Consultant | Associate Director.

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.

Whether you’re joining as a Principal Consultant or stepping into an Associate Director / Senior Associate role, you’ll:

• 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.

• Relevant academic qualifications in economics, public policy, finance, or related fields.
• Significant experience in economic consulting or advisory.
• Strong strategic mindset – experience in market assessments, business case development, and impact evaluation.
• Commercial acumen – 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 – ability to influence stakeholders and shape compelling narratives.
• Leadership experience – mentoring teams and driving innovation.

As a disability‑confident employer, we 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. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.

Jacobs operates a hybrid work environment and a 40‑hour working week as standard. Our values are built on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging, and we strive to support employee wellbeing and growth.