Economist

Do you want your economic expertise to help shape decisions that have a real impact across the West Midlands?  Are you creative and curious, with strong experience of demonstrating economic impacts and excellent understanding of policymaking?

Do you have strong communication skills and a solution focused mindset to ensure things get delivered?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for an Economist to join our Strategy Unit. In this role, you will deliver high-quality economic modelling, research and analysis that supports evidence-based policy and decision making across the region Your work will help assess the economic, social and environmental impact of policies, programmes and investment, supporting delivery of our regional priorities, as set out in the West Midlands Growth Plan in line with our commitment to inclusive growth. By strengthening the evidence behind key decisions, you will help ensure our work delivers meaningful outcomes and value for money for communities across the West Midlands.

What you will be doing.

• Deliver high-quality economic modelling and analysis to inform policy, strategy and investment decisions.
• Apply Green Book, Aqua Book and Magenta Book guidance to assess the impact and value for money of proposals.
• Analyse and synthesise data from a range of sources and/ or of varying complexity, to develop clear and robust insights.
• Maintain and develop economic datasets, models and analytical tools.
• Produce clear reports, dashboards and briefings for internal and external audiences.
• Support colleagues to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of proposed projects and investments.
• Design and manage both primary and secondary research and analytical projects, working with colleagues and external partners where required.

 What's essential.

• A strong understanding of the West Midlands regional economy and the institutions that support economic development .

• Knowledge and application of the latest HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book and Five Case Model business case guidance for appraisal and evaluation, with an appreciation of the key levers or challenges for local government place making  
• Experience working with national and local datasets, including ONS economic, demographic, housing, transport or skills data.
• An influential communicator with the ability to explain the impact of investments in clear, creative and convincing ways, and communicate evidence so that it genuinely shapes decisions, priorities and projects.
• Highly motivated, with experience of working autonomously to achieve personal objectives and working collaboratively with others to include a broad range of perspectives to achieve shared objectives
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise and ensure the delivery of results
• Experience using analytical MS office applications such as OneNote, MS Teams and analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel, Lists, Power BI or other software

Location. 

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). 
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days. 
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.   
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses. 

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values.

Our behaviours sit at the heart of our values, helping to shape how we work together as WMCA employees and setting clear expectations.

Collaborative

• Team Focused – working as part of team, managing and leading

• Service Driven – customer, resident and partner focused

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).