Senior/Principal Socio-Economics

Senior/Principal Socio‑Economics – WSP UK & Ireland 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, and shape a career as unique as you. About the 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—town planning, master‑planning and urban design, transport, and strategic communications—and deliver impactful socio‑economic analysis across regeneration, social value and inclusive development. Key Projects Eden Project Morecambe – a new cultural and visitor offer that supports regeneration and economic diversification in the town centre and coastal area, backed by significant government funding and aimed to open in 2026. South East Warrington Urban Extension – a 4,000+ home new urban extension to the south east of Warrington. Heathlands Garden Community – leading the Social Value Workstream and Equality Impact Assessment for a new settlement of 5,000 homes and supporting infrastructure around a new railway station in Kent. A29, Cookstown, Northern Ireland – delivering a Social Value engagement exercise for the Department for Infrastructure, gathering community insights to inform construction‑phase social value opportunities. Key Responsibilities Develop socio‑economic strategies and evidence to support planning and investment decisions, aligned with local and national policy frameworks. Undertake economic impact modelling to assess the economic potential of sites, including employment, skills, population and demographic indicators. Draft socio‑economic statements and impact assessments for development proposals, regeneration schemes and infrastructure projects. Lead socio‑economic inputs within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to integrated planning, transport and sustainability strategies. Attend stakeholder, design team and client meetings to inform analysis and reporting. Manage project delivery, including scope, programme and budgetary control across multiple commissions. Collaborate with colleagues across WSP (Planning, Urban Design, Transport, Sustainability) to embed socio‑economic considerations in wider project advice. Monitor government guidance, best practice and policy development to inform client advice and project positioning. Requirements Degree in economics, planning or a related discipline. Keen interest in socio‑economics—economic impact, social value, health and equalities and social infrastructure delivery. Experience in socio‑economic assessment and data analysis. Grounding in UK planning policy and frameworks. Extensive multidisciplinary work experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrable skills in the above areas. Technical Skills Socio‑economic research and data modelling Economic Impact Assessment Economic analysis for strategic planning and master‑planning Social Value Strategy Socio‑Economic Impact Assessment Social Infrastructure Assessment Health Impact Assessment Equality Impact Assessment Socio‑Economic EIA Technical report writing and effective communication Project management and collaboration Client‑facing project delivery and work winning About You Curious, collaborative and driven to deliver high‑quality project outcomes. Next Steps Even if you do not meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply—let us see how your experience aligns with this role or other opportunities within the team. Join Us Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. #J-18808-Ljbffr