Senior Business Economics Analyst
Scotland Wide (Geog)
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Do you want to join the Chief Economist’s team in Scottish Water to develop and transform the way in which economic analysis is used across Scottish Water?
The Chief Economists’ team is dedicated to the application of economics in the water industry. We are part of Scottish Water’s Business & Investment Strategy team, within the Strategy & Regulation Directorate. The Directorate is currently focussed on creating a coherent, well-evidenced, dynamic Investment Strategy that bridges between near term decision making and progress towards achieving Scotland’s Water Sector Vision at the lowest reasonable economic cost to our customers over the long term.
We are looking to add two Senior Business Economics Analysts to our team. These roles will allow you to make a real difference in shaping key decisions across Scottish Water.
What we do
Our team has developed and deployed a comprehensive strategic cost-benefit analysis to guide long-term investments, with plans to expand its application across all decision-making levels in the next five years. By creating innovative tools to compare investment options, we support senior discussions and shape effective strategies for water and wastewater services that contribute to a flourishing Scotland. This analysis is key to achieving our strategic goals and aligning with the Water Sector Vision for Scotland.
We’re dedicated to upholding Ethical Business Practices and working collaboratively across various disciplines. Additionally, we design new applications with colleagues and consultants, offering valuable opportunities to enhance skills in problem-solving and communication within the water sector.
What you’ll do
You’ll apply economic thinking and analysis to build a strong evidence base for investment decision-making. The role is varied in shaping economic analysis across Scottish Water, including:
* cost-benefit analysis in Scottish Water for different types of investment choices
* business, economic and regulatory analysis underpinning our plans
* evidence for our Strategic Review of Charges
* long-term tariff setting, Principles of Charges and efficiency
* investment appraisals
* projections and monitoring of business progress.
You’ll have the opportunity to lead projects and teams of analysts, graduates and consultants, and develop your skills and expertise as an economist.
What you’ll need
You’ll have a strong interest in economics and at least three years of experience in areas such as micro-economics or regulatory economics, with research skills in literature reviews and applied techniques. You’ll also have experience in solving problems within applied economics and be proficient in Microsoft Excel, with skills in developing tools using Python, R, or Power BI.
Effective communication of technical economic topics is key, along with drafting and reviewing written material for different audiences. You’ll be comfortable working independently to generate ideas and adapt to new concepts, processes, and tools, while also taking initiative and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Beyond this, you'll have experience in maintaining current processes and leading business changes, including designing methodologies, running workshops, and improving systems, procedures, and models. You’ll be able to interpret business needs, identify solutions, and engage with stakeholders to gather and apply data, even when methods are complex, to meet goals.
An understanding of external developments and their potential impact on the organisation is also important. Finally, you’ll be skilled at documenting and communicating your insights clearly to ensure progress on projects and building strong professional relationships beyond your immediate team.
Character is important to us. Across the whole of Scottish Water, we look for people who are Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.
You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.
For your future, there’s our pension, as well as life assurance.
As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small print
This is an exciting time to be in the Chief Economist’s team. We would very much encourage you to speak with our Chief Economist, Dr Paul Dudley, and apply to join the team and make a difference.
This role will be a Grade 7. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £41,000. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £51,970.
In November 2024, we are moving to a 35hr week to support the wellbeing and work/life balance of our employees.
If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on Tuesday 29th of October. And we’re aiming to do interviews w/c 18th of November.
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc.
A few final things worth knowing…
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Finally, candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database.
We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk
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