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Senior Economic Analyst

£44,111 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 8

Leeds / Hybrid

Full time - 37 hours per week

Closing date – Sunday 4 January 2026 at 11:55pm

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.

We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Economic Analyst to join our Research and Intelligence service.

The Combined Authority’s Research and Intelligence function is a busy and growing multi-disciplinary team with a comprehensive remit that draws on expertise in economic evidence, transport analysis and modelling, spatial intelligence and evaluation. The team works closely with internal policy and delivery functions in a holistic way to identify and shape economic, transport, social and environmental priorities, as well as continuously engaging with a wide range of local partners and national stakeholders. In this role you will have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a high-quality economic evidence base for West Yorkshire in support of our Local Growth Plan that will maximise the opportunities for regeneration and inclusive growth presented by devolution.

Our Offer

· Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.

· Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.

· Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).

· Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.

· Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.

· Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.

· Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.

· Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.

· Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Economic Evidence Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

· Providing advice and guidance on key issues facing the West Yorkshire economy to senior decision makers including the Combined Authority Board and political leaders, with the potential for impact on the policy and operations of the Combined Authority and its partners.

· Using your technical expertise in a range of economic disciplines and policy areas to develop a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing the West Yorkshire economy.

· Working closely with our five local authorities and other partners to take forward a shared economic intelligence agenda, as well as engaging with key national stakeholders, including government.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:

· Hold a degree in a relevant field, and / or relevant demonstrable practical experience in the field of economic analysis.

· Strong understanding of economic theory and its application in a place-based economic development context through the deployment of a range of statistical and other data.

· Proven experience of confidently and professionally conveying information both written and oral in a clear, concise and persuasive style.

· Excellent grasp of primary research design and the commissioning and procurement of consultancy research, economic forecasting techniques and labour market analysis techniques.

· Advanced understanding of techniques used in economic and demographic forecasting and their application in formal housing and employment land planning work.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis