Principal Evaluation and Social Research Consultant

Job Description

Overview

Are you eager to use your social research and evaluation skills to support organisations such as Department for Transport and National Highways to reduce carbon emissions from transport, improve road safety, and support the adoption of new technologies? Would you relish the opportunity to contribute to work that can make a difference to people such as vulnerable transport users and potentially excluded groups?

We have an opportunity for an experienced evaluator, social researcher or benefits management specialist to play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality evaluation projects for public and private sector clients. You will work with clients across local and central government to understand what works, why it works, and for whom, supporting the development of robust insight and evidence on the impacts of transport on people and society. We are keen to hear from candidates with location preferences across any of our UK network of offices, working alongside our growing team of social and behavioural researchers based in Birmingham, Bristol, Epsom, London (Victoria) and Manchester, or our other hubs in Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh or York.

You’ll combine a strong understanding of evaluation theory with excellent project management and client engagement skills. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring experience in evaluation theory, benefits management, data analysis, digital tools and AI-enabled approaches to evaluation. You will lead and support the delivery of mixed-methods evaluation projects, advise clients on proportionate and robust methodological approaches, and contribute to the continued growth of AtkinsRéalis’ research and evaluation offer.

Your role

We are looking for Senior or Principal level Evaluation and Social Research Consultant to join our ambitious, friendly and growing team that combines specialists in social research, behavioural science and evaluation, delivering projects for a range of local and national transport bodies. Evaluation and social research are vital for transport policy and planning. They provide essential evidence to design successful policies, programmes and interventions, and to understand the impacts of transport investments on people, places and economies.

• Work on varied and meaningful evaluation projects across the UK.

• Collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines and sectors.

• Help grow an important area of transport planning, policy and consultancy work.

• Shape how clients use evidence, data and insight to improve outcomes.

• Develop your technical, commercial and leadership skills.

• Contribute to an inclusive, supportive and forward-looking team.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic, adaptable and collaborative evaluator or social researcher who can make a positive contribution to our growing team. You should be flexible, self‑motivated, and able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and technical experience commensurate with your level of experience. We are particularly interested in applications from people who have worked in market research, evaluation, or economics who a passion for robust evidence and insight. Knowledge of the transport sector is not essential, but an interest and willingness to learn is desirable.

Essential experience

• Experience of designing and delivering evaluations of policies, programmes or projects, ideally in transport, infrastructure, public policy, local government, social value, regeneration or related sectors.

• Experience of developing theories of change, evaluation frameworks, benefits realisation plans or monitoring and evaluation strategies. This includes experience of applying UK Government guidance such as the Magenta Book, Green Book, Transport Analysis Guidance or other relevant evaluation and appraisal frameworks.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage tasks, budgets, timelines, risks and project teams.

• Experience of working with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs, shape evaluation questions and communicate findings clearly.

• Communication: experience of producing high-quality written outputs, including evaluation reports, technical notes, briefing papers and presentations, and ability to translate complex evidence into clear, actionable recommendations for clients and senior stakeholders.

• Evidence-informed decision making: a clear understanding of how evaluation evidence can support better policy development, investment and delivery decisions.

• Experience of leading and contributing to proposals, bids or business development activity.

• Collaborative working style: strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to quality, inclusion, ethical research practice and continuous improvement.

Desirable experience

• A postgraduate qualification or demonstrable professional development in evaluation, social research, economics, data analysis or a related discipline, with good knowledge of evaluation theory and practice, such as theory-based evaluation, process evaluation, impact evaluation, mixed-methods approaches, quasi-experimental approaches, realist evaluation, contribution analysis or value-for-money evaluation.

• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills, with the ability to interpret evidence and draw practical, well-reasoned conclusions, including data visualisation or analysis using tools such as Power BI, R, Python, SPSS, Stata or similar.

• Digital and AI: an interest and curiosity in how digital tools and AI-enabled tools can improve the efficiency, quality and value of evaluation and benefits management.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

#LI-UK#LI-ATKINS #LI-Transportation

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.