Senior Economist (Specialist)

• Place of work will be either County Hall or the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) in Taunton, with opportunities to remote work in line with Somerset Council’s Dynamic Working Strategy
• 30 days annual leave
• The postholder will perform a crucial role in leading the development and maintenance the evidence base that underpins economic development policy and interventions.
• Permanent contract
• Salary is £41,771 -£46,142 per annum for 37 hours/week

Are you passionate about turning data into decisions that matter? We’re looking for a Senior Economist who can help shape the projects we invest in and make sure they deliver real benefits to our local communities.

This isn’t about being a hardcore statistician – it’s about understanding data, spotting what it means, and explaining it clearly to others. You’ll use those insights to guide where we put our resources and then check that the projects are doing what they promised. In short, you’ll make sure our investments are smart, worthwhile, and impactful.

You’ll have a choice over where you work most of the time (home or one of our offices is fine) – but you do need to be able to come into our office in Taunton when requested. The team also typically gets together in-person once per month.

You’ll need:

• A degree in Economics or related field
• An understanding of economic theories, forecasting techniques, and econometric analysis.
• Proven experience in economic research, managing projects and providing specialist advice
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and the ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Knowledge of local and regional economic issues and policy development processes

Think rolling hills, stunning coastlines, and vibrant market towns. Somerset offers a fantastic quality of life – whether you’re into countryside walks, historic villages, or great food and drink. Plus, you’re never far from Bristol, Bath, and Exeter for a little bit of “City buzz” when you want it.

We’re proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management, as well as some fantastic employee benefits:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more…

Salary is £41,771 -£46,142 per annum for 37 hours/week.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Dr James Gilgrist, james.gilgrist@somerset.gov.uk, 01823 3559339.

If you’re curious, analytical, and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.