Evaluation Specialist: Associate / Associate DirectorSteer Economic Development is seeking an evaluation specialist to join our team of high-performing economic development consultants.OverviewSteer Economic Development is seeking an evaluation specialist to join our team of high-performing economic development consultants.You will work on a range of different projects, for national, regional and local public sector clients, including process and impact evaluations, evaluation plans and evaluation scoping studies.Your skillset will include quantitative and qualitative research techniques, as well as familiarity with a range of evaluation techniques such theory-based methods and counterfactual design.Main Responsibilities And AccountabilitiesLeadership of Transport Evaluation PortfolioProvide strategic leadership for the consultancy's transport evaluation portfolio, positioning Steer as a recognised leader in Monitoring and Evaluation for transport and mobilityBuild on the Steer's growing credentials in the sector, identifying opportunities to expand influence and impact with key clientsLeverage expertise across the wider organisation to deliver integrated, cross-cutting evaluation offersAct as senior representative of the firm in the transport evaluation field, engaging with policy-makers, academics, and professional networksTechnical LeadershipLead the design and implementation of complex evaluations in the transport sector, ensuring methodological rigour and relevanceProvide technical direction on evaluation methodologiesEnsure evaluations integrate sector-specific dimensions such as modal shift, accessibility, safety, equity, climate and environmental impacts, and cost-benefit analysisAct as a thought leader, producing and disseminating insights, learning products, and guidance on evaluation approaches in the transport domainClient & Stakeholder EngagementServe as senior advisor to clients including government departments and public sector bodiesBuild and maintain trusted long-term relationships with senior stakeholders, providing evidence-based advice to inform strategic decisions in transport policy and programmingRepresent Steer at conferences, industry panels, and thought-leadership eventsBusiness Development & GrowthDrive growth of the transport evaluation portfolio through successful leadership of bids and proposalsIdentify and pursue new opportunities, cultivating partnerships and alliances that strengthen Steer's market positionContribute to Steer-wide strategic planning, helping shape the consultancy's long-term vision for monitoring and evaluationTeam Leadership & Capacity DevelopmentLead multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality outputs on time and within budgetMentor and coach colleagues at all levels, building in-house expertise in monitoring and evaluationWork with the senior team to promote a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and learning across the practiceRequirementsDegree in social science subject or equivalent experience in a related disciplineExperience10+ years' experience in monitoring and evaluation, with significant focus on transport and infrastructure programmesProven track record of leading the design and delivery of large, complex transport evaluations at the regional and national level covering net zero, innovation, infrastructure, or devolved fundingDemonstrated expertise across a range of evaluation methodologies, including theory-based, experimental, and mixed-methods approachesExperience in integrating sector-specific issues into evaluations, such as climate impacts, accessibility, safety, behaviour change, and equityStrong portfolio of work with governments or other public sector organisations in the transport spaceEvidence of thought leadership (e.g. publications, conference presentations, advisory roles)Experience winning and managing high-value contracts, and growing sector portfoliosSkills & AttributesRecognised technical authority in evaluation methods and application to transportStrategic leadership skills with ability to build and grow a portfolio areaExcellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levelsStrong project and people management abilities, including mentoring and developing teamsExceptional written and oral communication skills, with ability to present complex findings clearly to diverse audiencesBenefitsWhy join usWe believe in empowering our people and giving them the opportunities to shine. As an employee-owned company means that our team are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and that's the reason why we are at the forefront of our industry.Steer has 5 offices in the UK: London, Leeds, Hemel Hempstead, Manchester and Birmingham.Steer is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, now or throughout your employment, please let us know.We offer a competitive benefits package including:Private medical insurance and health screeningLife assurance and group income protectionCompany pension schemeEAP and mental health first aiders25 days annual leave and ability to buy and sell annual leave days,Season Ticket Loan/ Cycle to Work,Group Share Incentive Plan,Up to 5 days for volunteering activitiesDiscretionary bonus scheme based on annual compensation (dependent upon individual and company performance) #J-18808-Ljbffr