AECOM - Graduate economic development consultant - London (immediate start)

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

Job Description

The Economic Development team is looking to recruit a Graduate Economic Development Consultant. In order to work on a wide range of projects at once, the individual must have an analytical mind, be flexible and organised. They should have an interest in a broad range of work in economic development and regeneration, research and quantitative and qualitative analysis.

The work of the Economic Development team is extremely varied and includes socio-economic research and impact assessments; health impact assessments; advice on major economic development projects and services; sector and infrastructure studies; cost-benefit analyses; business case development/economic appraisal; and employment land reviews.

Examples of projects the Economic Development team are involved in include:

• Crossrail 2, London. The team worked as an integral part of the Growth and Development team at Crossrail 2 – a major planned rail infrastructure investment in London - covering town planning and economic development work. This included providing analysis to test the economic and regeneration impacts of different route and design options, and to test different delivery and financing options. The project is expected to deliver major benefits to the region to support the growth of London and the South East.
• Stratford Waterfront, London. The team oversaw the preparation of a socio-economic assessment and ES chapter for the planning application for Stratford Waterfront, a large regenerative mixed-use scheme which will form as part of a new cultural and higher education district in Stratford. The report included the assessment of potential direct and indirect effects of the development on the local and regional economies and assessed varied socio-economic impacts such as induced employment and GVA, effects on open spaces; children play space and provision of public amenities. A health impact assessment of the scheme was also undertaken to maximise the social benefits for existing and new residents.
• Enfield Economy Study – the team prepared a suite of studies for the growing London Borough of Enfield: a review of the supply and demand for employment land (use classes B1, B2 and B8); a demand led local economic assessment to support the Borough’s aspirations to grow their local business base and attract inward investment; a business survey to build the council’s evidence base; a detailed business activity mapping exercise; and case studies of new development typologies. This work feeds into a wider assignment to opine on the future of industrial land in the borough to 2060.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is an entry level position for a recent graduate. The individual should be highly numerate, comfortable with quantitative data and analysis and will be responsible for the basic core research of the project. This can involve conducting internet or desk research, gathering information through phone or face to face interviews and site visits, or generating demographic information. The consultant is responsible for making the information comprehensible and for providing a base analysis for its meanings and implications, including providing well-written inputs into reports.

The role involves:

• Data collection, primary research, literature reviews and undertaking consultation with a range of stakeholders utilising a range of methods (e.g. telephone, face-to-face and electronic).
• Delivery of high-quality quantitative and qualitative analysis and research across a number of short and longer term projects.
• Interpretation of technical information/analysis in a clear, concise and credible manner, inputting into reports and proposals.
• Helping to identify project opportunities for the team.
• Supporting the creation of presentations for clients and internal presentations.
• Providing a range of other ad hoc advice and support for the team, such as proposals and marketing input.

The graduate will work as part of a team under the direction of Associate Directors and Project Managers working on projects throughout the UK and Ireland. They will be paired with an experienced member of the team who will guide and mentor them through their initial period working on live projects.