Graduate Place Economist

Support urban regeneration and economic development projects by analysing economic and demographic data, preparing business cases, conducting impact assessments and developing strategies to improve towns, cities and communities.

Job Description

Shape Places. Drive Growth. Create Lasting Impact.

At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by one purpose: improving society through innovation, collaboration and excellence. As a global management, engineering and development consultancy, we work with public and private sector clients to shape the future of communities, infrastructure and economies around the world.

Our success comes from the diverse perspectives, expertise and experiences of our people. We believe that the best solutions emerge when talented individuals work together in inclusive teams, bringing connected thinking to the most complex challenges. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

Together, we are opening opportunities with connected thinking.

About Cities Studio

This role sits within our award-winning Cities Studio team, where economists, planners and urban designers work side by side to create places that deliver lasting social, economic and environmental value.

Cities Studio works on high-profile projects across the UK and internationally. Our work spans:

• Economic development strategy and policy

• Town centre renewal and urban regeneration

• Transport hubs and transit-oriented development

• Mixed-use neighbourhoods and urban quarters

• Campus-style developments for healthcare, education and industry

By combining expertise across multiple disciplines, we help create places where people, businesses and communities can prosper.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Graduate Consultant to join our growing Place Economics team.

As a Place Economist, you will contribute to projects that influence how towns, cities and regions develop and thrive. You will work with public and private sector clients to develop economic strategies, business cases, impact assessments and funding solutions that support transformational development and regeneration programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity to begin your career in a supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued from day one. You will work alongside experienced economists, planners, urban designers and regeneration specialists, gaining exposure to a diverse portfolio of projects and learning from experts across the business.

As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to strengthen both your technical and consulting skills, build relationships with clients, take on increasing levels of responsibility and progress towards senior economist and leadership roles.

What You'll Do

As part of the Place Economics team, you will:

• Support the development of place-based strategies alongside colleagues in urban design, planning and masterplanning.

• Undertake evidence-based research to inform regeneration strategies and development programmes.

• Analyse economic, demographic and market data to establish robust baselines and inform decision-making.

• Assist in the preparation of economic and financial appraisals.

• Support the delivery of Five Case Business Cases, feasibility studies and economic impact assessments.

• Contribute to economic development strategies, policy advice and funding approaches for clients.

• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including interviews and workshops.

• Produce high-quality reports, action plans, presentations and client-ready materials.

• Assist in developing qualitative and quantitative research tools and enhancing existing technical models.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for communities.

Candidate Specification

We're looking for someone who is curious about how places develop, passionate about improving outcomes for communities and motivated to make a positive impact through their work.

You will bring:

• A degree in Economics, Economic Development, Finance, Geography, Social Science, Urban Planning, or a related discipline - obtained no earlier than 2025. A master's degree would be advantageous.

• A genuine interest in socio-economics, placemaking and urban development.

• Experience gained through academic projects, internships, work experience or extracurricular activities related to economic development, regeneration, placemaking, transport-oriented development or similar fields.

• An interest in economic strategy, policy development, business cases and appraisal.

• Strong analytical skills, with experience of tools such as Microsoft Excel. Experience with GIS and statistical software would be beneficial.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to different audiences.

• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

• A creative and solution-focused mindset, coupled with strong attention to detail.

• Confidence working in a hybrid environment, collaborating with colleagues across multiple locations.