Wavehill is looking for an experienced evaluation professional to join us as a Principal Consultant. In this senior role, you will lead complex social research and evaluation projects for clients across the UK and build long-term relationships with the organisations we work with. You will also play a central part in winning new work and shaping how Wavehill develops, from the services we offer to the way our team grows.
About Wavehill
Established in West Wales in 1992, Wavehill is a social and economic research consultancy with offices in Aberaeron, Bristol, London and Newcastle. Hall Aitken became part of Wavehill in 2026, building on our existing work in Scotland. Across the UK, we support governments, local and combined authorities, funders and charities, helping clients learn from their programmes and make better-informed decisions. Our projects span communities and social inclusion, health and wellbeing, employment and skills, business and innovation, environment and nature, and culture and heritage.
We have been employee-owned since 2021, giving colleagues a voice in Wavehill’s direction and a share in its success. We work bilingually in English and Welsh and are a certified B Corporation and accredited Living Wage Employer.
The role
You will lead the design and delivery of research, fieldwork and analysis, and manage project teams to ensure our findings and outputs are clear, well-supported and useful to clients. Beyond project delivery, you will lead and contribute to tenders and pitches and help develop Wavehill’s markets and services.
What we are looking for
You will have at least five years’ professional experience in evaluation, including leading complex projects, managing client relationships and helping secure new work. Please see the recruitment pack for the full role description and person specification.
Working at Wavehill
Our benefits include:
How to apply
Please read the recruitment pack https://wavehill.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Recruitment-Pack_Principal-Consultant-1.pdf for the role and person specification then complete the online application form. You will be asked to upload your cover letter and CV as separate documents within the form.
Closing date: 20 November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Interviews: We anticipate interviews for this role will be held online on the 8 and 9 December 2026.
For recruitment queries or accessibility requirements, contact recruitment@wavehill.com.
Job type:
Permanent. Full-time or part-time, minimum 0.6 FTE.
Salary:
£45,000–£54,000 depending on experience, plus 5% London weighting where applicable.
Location:
Bristol, London, Newcastle, West Wales (Aberaeron) or Scotland. A hybrid model with flexible working opportunities. Prior to establishing an office presence in Scotland, colleagues based there will need to be able to travel to our Newcastle office when required. The role also requires some UK travel for fieldwork, client meetings and other project activities.
