Associate Director
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding us how we shape a better world.
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The Opportunity
This is a pivotal opportunity to lead Arup’s City Economics and Case Making work across the Midlands, Southwest, and Wales. In this Associate Director role, you’ll drive forward integrated, multi-disciplinary projects that combine economic rigour with environmental and social impact—shaping vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable places. Working across housing, regeneration, transport and the green economy, you’ll have a platform to influence how city regions grow and thrive.
You’ll provide visionary leadership to our teams, mentoring and expanding a group of talented economists and strategy consultants. As a key player within our 80+ strong national practice, you’ll contribute to some of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure and regeneration investments, helping unlock funding, deliver complex business cases, and accelerate long-term change.
Is this role right for you?
If you’re a strategic thinker with deep experience in economic development, urban policy or infrastructure investment, this could be your next big challenge. You’ve built up a strong network and track record in city economics, and you’re ready to influence policy and investment decisions at scale—whether it's through thought leadership, C-suite engagement or the development of high-impact business cases.
You’re passionate about integrated delivery and thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments. You understand the power of data, strategy and design coming together to shape outcomes that matter—not just for clients, but for communities and the environment. Whether your expertise lies in local inclusive growth, devolution, energy, water, or transport, you bring clarity, insight and energy to every conversation.
Most importantly, you believe in people. You’re excited to grow and empower a diverse team of economists and consultants, sharing your knowledge and helping others thrive. You want to be part of an organisation with shared values and real purpose—and you're ready to help define where we go next.
Responsibilities
- Leading and growing the Mid-West economics and case making team, mentoring staff and identifying future opportunities
- Developing and delivering high-quality, multi-disciplinary business cases and strategies across sectors like housing, regeneration, energy and transport
- Engaging directly with clients and stakeholders at senior levels, including C-suite
- Shaping and executing a regional growth strategy across the Midlands, Southwest and Wales
- Driving strategic work-winning activity, forming strong, long-term client relationships
- Acting as a visible leader within Arup’s economics and strategy practice, contributing to national collaboration and thought leadership
- Representing Arup at events, conferences and in publications—sharing insight and influencing the future direction of our field
- Suitable KPIs and measures will be developed to support the role. These are likely to include income targets and win rates – reflective of the ambition to be more strategic in bidding - bidding less to win more.
Not ready to apply just yet or have some questions? Contact Rhian Melaney at rhian.melaney@arup.com - Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
What We Offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different People, Shared Values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Rhian Melaney at rhian.melaney@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
Recruitment Agencies - We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
Closing date 25th July 2025