Job Description

SQW is looking for Senior Consultants to join our team to help deliver high-impact research, strategy and evaluation projects across the UK.


SQW is a leading independent consultancy in economic and social development. We provide research, analysis and insight to support public policy, working with a wide range of clients including central government, local authorities, universities and the private sector. Our 50 consultants are based at our offices in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, with a hybrid working approach in place.

Role Overview

As a Senior Consultant, you'll provide research and advice work on projects on that span:

Local/sub-national economic development

- local economic development (with an increasing focus on sustainability/net zero and inclusivity alongside local economic competitiveness and regeneration). Projects range in scale from site level (including major new developments) through to sub-regions, city-regions and broader areas.

Innovation, enterprise and business growth

- enterprise and business support, financial instruments to support firms, and the role of science and innovation in developing places, clusters and sectors.

Across these fields, our work includes the preparation of evidence-based strategies and action plans; appraisals and business cases; economic impact assessments; and policy and programme evaluations.


You'll lead and contribute to:


Socio-economic qualitative and quantitative research and analysis HM Treasury Green Book-compliant business cases Economic impact assessments and evaluations Strategy development and action planning

You'll also manage projects, mentor junior colleagues, and help shape new proposals with creative, evidence-based approaches.


Joining as a Senior Consultant will provide the opportunity to make a real contribution to the growth and development of the business and contribute to a better society.

Required skills and experience

A 2:1 or higher in a relevant degree (with quantitative elements) Strong experience in a comparable role in economic development, regeneration, or innovation policy Excellent knowledge of UK public policy and evaluation methodologies Confidence in client engagement and project management Strong communication and digital skills (e.g., PowerBI, MS Teams)

A full job description is available attached to the job posting on the Careers page on our website.

What SQW Offers

Competitive basic salary of 42,500 pa or more, depending on experience Annual performance related bonus Flexible working Contributory pension scheme with up to 5% matching contributions Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Flexible benefits options, which include private health and dental schemes for individuals and their dependents, health assessments, electric vehicles and bikes to work scheme Support for continuous personal and professional development

SQW is committed to making a positive impact on our clients and society, delivering social value through our work. We maintain an active social value policy, and implement a programme of activities (including providing increasing opportunities for staff volunteering and fundraising, facilitated by an employee-led Charity Committee). We are committed to being a net zero company by 2030, which means that we will reduce our emissions as far as is practical and offset the remaining emissions.


The closing date for applications is 31 July 2025. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and so you are encouraged to apply early


Minority ethnicities are under-represented within consulting. To create meaningful change for our clients, our people and our communities, we need diverse talent combined with diverse ways of working. We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.