Programme Advisory – Business Case & Project Finance – Principal Consultant (Economist)

Overview

In this Principal Consultant role, you shape infrastructure investment decisions through rigorous economic analysis. You will lead economic appraisals and develop business cases aligned with HM Treasury guidance, supporting major programmes UK-wide and globally. You’ll work with multi-disciplinary teams to translate complex analysis into actionable recommendations for public and private clients. This is an opportunity to influence funding decisions and policy through robust, evidence-based insights.

Pay / Benefits

• healthy, productive and flexible working environment
• work-life balance emphasis
• inclusive, equal-opportunity culture

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Economic Case and Five Dimension Business Cases per HM Treasury Green Book
• Perform economic appraisal and impact assessments (GVA, employment, wider societal impacts)
• Support monitoring, evaluation and benefits management in line with Magenta Book
• Design economic models and analytical frameworks (CBA, input-output, Monte Carlo) to aid client decisions
• Present complex analyses clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Identify funding/financing opportunities and develop evidence bases for investment decisions (VfM)
• Apply and tailor methodologies/tools to client needs while contributing to continuous improvement
• Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated advisory across programmes and projects
• Ensure high quality and accurate work, delivering excellent client service and professional standards
• Lead bid proposals and work with senior management and team to grow business
• Progress business development and client relationship management
• Mentor junior consultants and share knowledge through communities of practice
• Engage with clients with gravitas and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Travel flexibly as required

Key requirements

• Degree in Economics or closely related discipline with applied economics experience
• Typically 4+ years in applied economic analysis, public sector appraisal, or consulting
• Strong knowledge of Green Book, Magenta Book, and Aqua Book principles
• Experience in business case development, options appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, and economic impact assessments
• Understanding of input-output modelling and vocational evaluation techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to simplify complex analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• strong interpersonal and communication skills
• stakeholder management and influencing abilities
• problem solving and sound judgement
• Microsoft Excel
• economic modelling (CBA, input-output, Monte Carlo)
• HM Treasury Green Book and Magenta Book methodology

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