Principal Labor Economist

Why UKG At UKG, the work you do matters. The code you ship, the decisions you make, and the care you show a customer all add up to real impact. Today, tens of millions of workers start and end their days with our workforce operating platform. Helping people get paid, grow in their careers, and shape the future of their industries. That’s what we do. We never stop learning. We never stop challenging the norm. We push for better, and we celebrate the wins along the way. Here, you’ll get flexibility that’s real, benefits you can count on, and a team that succeeds together. Because at UKG, your work matters—and so do you. About the team You will join a highly strategic and forward-looking analytics and insights function focused on shaping the future of workforce intelligence. The team partners closely with product, strategy, data science, and executive leadership to transform one of the industry’s most comprehensive workforce datasets—spanning over 20 million frontline workers—into actionable insights. This group sits at the intersection of labor economics, financial systems, and workforce strategy, driving innovation in how organizations understand labor supply, wage dynamics, productivity, and macroeconomic trends. The team plays a critical role in influencing enterprise strategy and building differentiated, client-facing workforce intelligence solutions. About the role As a Lead Economist , you will serve as a senior thought leader and trusted advisor, guiding the evolution of workforce and labor market analytics. You will connect labor economics, macroeconomic trends, and financial systems to shape both internal strategy and external market positioning. This role requires a highly autonomous leader who thrives in ambiguity and operates at the intersection of data, strategy, and influence. You will architect advanced analytical frameworks, develop forecasting models, and translate complex economic insights into actionable strategies that impact executive decision-making and product innovation. What you’ll do Establish and expand thought leadership in labor economics through publications, speaking engagements, and industry engagement Define and advance the strategic direction of workforce and labor market analytics aligned to long-term business objectives Lead complex, high-impact, cross-functional initiatives with significant visibility and strategic importance Develop advanced economic models, forecasting frameworks, and scenario analyses to guide strategic planning Integrate large-scale internal workforce data with external macroeconomic and financial indicators to produce differentiated insights Anticipate economic, regulatory, and market shifts, translating them into new analytical approaches and product opportunities Partner with product, strategy, and data science teams to embed economic insights into client-facing solutions Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing decisions through data-driven recommendations Communicate complex economic concepts clearly to executive, technical, and external audiences Mentor and elevate team capability in advanced economic analysis, modeling, and methodology About You You are a recognized expert in labor economics with a strong understanding of financial systems and macroeconomic dynamics. You bring both intellectual rigor and strategic influence, with a proven ability to translate complex economic insights into business impact. Basic Qualifications Master’s or PhD in Economics, Econometrics, or related discipline 7–10+ years of experience in economic analysis, including exposure to financial services (banking, asset management, fintech, or consulting) Deep expertise in labor economics and its intersection with macroeconomic and financial trends Strong experience developing advanced econometric models, forecasting frameworks, and analytical methodologies Expertise working with large, complex datasets and modern statistical/AI-driven techniques Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive outcomes across complex, cross-functional initiatives Proven external presence (publications, speaking engagements, industry involvement) Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to simplify and translate complex concepts for diverse audiences Experience embedding analytics into products or client-facing solutions The pay range for this position is $145,600 to $209,300. The actual base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and work location. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus plan and to receive restricted stock unit awards as part of total compensation. Learn more about UKG’s benefits and rewards at Equal Opportunity Employer UKG is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, disability, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. View The EEO Know Your Rights poster ( UKG participates in E-Verify. View the E-Verify posters here ( It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Disability Accommodation in the Application and Interview Process For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. It is the policy of Ultimate Software to promote and assure equal employment opportunity for all current and prospective Peeps without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. This policy governs all matters related to recruitment, advertising, and initial selection of employment. It shall also apply to all other aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, compensation, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-offs, terminations, leave of absence, and training opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr