Principal (Transport)

Frontier Economics is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest. The company has grown rapidly since it was founded over 25 years ago and currently has around 500 staff working across nine European offices (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris and Prague). The company is employee‑owned and has a strong culture of openness and employee engagement.

Our Transport Practice

Transport is changing fast, shaped by digitalisation, evolving customer needs and climate change. Frontier’s Transport practice sits at the heart of this transformation, working with operators, investors, governments and regulators to solve complex, high‑impact challenges. As part of the team, you’ll apply rigorous economics and data science to real‑world questions on regulation, competition, infrastructure investment and decarbonisation, helping shape policy and commercial decisions that matter. Employee‑owned and long‑term in outlook, Frontier offers the opportunity to work closely with clients, develop deep sector expertise and make a tangible difference in a sector critical to the transition to a more sustainable future.

How You Will Make An Impact

As a Principal you will be responsible for the long‑term sustainability and success of Frontier. As a key contact in the practice, you will enjoy a wide and diverse role working with people collaboratively across the Firm. While individual contributions may evolve with their careers, there is an ongoing expectation to consistently exhibit competence in five key areas:

• Intellectual Leadership: You will play a key role in ensuring Frontier delivers robust, high‑quality analysis that positions us at the forefront of our field. This includes shaping the scope of work with clients, drawing on both internal expertise and external input, and ensuring outputs are credible, insightful, and able to withstand scrutiny.
• Consulting Skills: You will lead internal teams to deliver high‑quality, timely, and impactful advice. This involves effective project management, clear communication, and strong client engagement. You will also support team development, staff well‑being, and mentoring.
• Client Relationships: You’ll be responsible for building and maintaining strong, strategic relationships with current and prospective clients. This includes deepening your understanding of their wider needs, driving business development activity, and supporting the growth of the practice and firm in line with Frontier’s values.
• Developing Self and Others: As a role model, you’ll help foster a culture of learning, inclusion and motivation. You’ll support the development of colleagues at all levels and ensure mentoring and Career Development Reviews (CDRs) are delivered with honesty, fairness and integrity.
• Internal Leadership: You will contribute to Frontier’s long‑term success by supporting internal initiatives and promoting our values. This includes strong financial stewardship, active engagement in firm‑wide priorities, and clear communication of policies and processes as a senior leader.

Your Skills and Background

We’re looking for economists with strong technical skills, clear communication, and sound judgement. You’ll bring the expertise to tackle complex economic issues, the confidence to influence clients and colleagues, and the drive to deliver high‑quality, impactful work. A collaborative mindset and the ability to support and motivate others are key. You should have a degree with a strong focus on economics or a related discipline and be able to apply microeconomic tools to real‑world policy and business challenges. The ability to explain complex ideas in a clear, non‑technical way is essential, as is building strong relationships with both clients and colleagues. Experience in economic consulting, particularly in transport economics, is highly desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive economic experience, typically acquired over seven years in an economics consultancy, regulator or government department.
• Evident proficiency and experience in transport‑related project work.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, backed by a track record of supporting others and thriving in collaborative environments.
• Proficiency in thought leadership, as well as strong capabilities in client and project management.
• Excellent communication skills; both verbally and in writing, able to adapt to different audiences/styles.
• Great organisational skills – able to organise a varied workload, prioritise effectively and keep stakeholders updated as appropriate.
• Good relationship building skills – keen to get to know people from across the Firm, attend meetings and occasionally travel to other offices.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

At Frontier Economics, we are entirely employee‑owned, meaning every team member has a voice in shaping the company’s future. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation, open dialogue, and shared success. Our stimulating and thought‑provoking projects are complemented by a supportive and dynamic work environment, designed to help you thrive and grow.

• Hybrid Working: Employees are expected to work in the office at least two days a week, with flexibility for remote work.
• Holiday Entitlement: 28 days of annual leave, plus public holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days of holiday per year.
• Parental Pay: Enhanced pay of 26 weeks full pay for primary carers and 10 weeks full pay for partners.
• Learning & Development: Extensive L&D opportunities, including Career Development Reviews with support from a dedicated mentor.
• Private Health Insurance: Bupa health insurance with optional family coverage (taxes paid by the employees and add on for partners & children at an additional cost). Additional cover (e.g., optical, dental) can be added at the employee's expense.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free, confidential support for work‑life balance, health, family issues, or job‑related challenges, available for you and your immediate family members.
• Income Protection Insurance: All employees are covered by Frontier’s Group Income Protection Scheme for long‑term illness or disability.
• Life Insurance: Company‑funded Group Life Assurance Scheme, covering all permanent employees from their start date.
• Cross‑Office Travel & Secondments: Opportunities for secondments to different offices or practices to expand skills and experience.

Should you have any questions or would like any additional information please email recruitment@frontier-economics.com. We are looking forward to receiving your application. We are open to full‑time & part‑time applicants. Frontier Economics is an equal‑opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are determined that everyone has an equal chance to join us and progress their career with Frontier. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms.