Principal Consultant - Utilities and Energy Economics Services in City of London

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

We’re looking for a Principal Consultant to join our Advisory & Advocacy (A&A) team, at the forefront of utilities, infrastructure, and the UK’s energy transition.

A&A operates at the earliest stages of large, multi-phase developments, helping clients unlock infrastructure strategies, secure capacity, and de-risk delivery in constrained systems. This role bridges utilities consultancy and grid strategy. You’ll understand connections, diversions (OHL, HP gas and more), and infrastructure delivery. We sit at the centre of complex projects to keep everything aligned and moving.

From early strategy to delivery, you’ll shape outcomes where utilities are often the critical path. If you want to move beyond transactional utilities work and help shape infrastructure at scale, this is where you do it.

• Utilities & Infrastructure: Our team combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to support clients in securing timely, cost-effective, and futureproof connections. We specialise in interpreting complex utility requirements, identifying risks, and negotiating favourable terms—ensuring infrastructure supports both immediate delivery and long-term asset value.
• Energy Economics: Achieving Net Zero Carbon is intrinsically linked to an energy transition that presents challenge and opportunity in equal measure.
• Grid Services: Supporting the transformation of the UK to an all electric nation, working in a challenging environment to get the best from our electrical network. Liaising closely with the network designers and managers to develop innovative strategies to obtain grid capacity where traditional approaches may fail.

Due to the nature of our large-scale infrastructure projects, you would also likely work with the Societal Insights team. They draw on expertise in psychology and the social sciences to provide clients with the best-in-class community engagement and co-production. They also deploy specialist knowledge and experience to help projects realise maximum positive social impact and offer a suite of methodologies and tools to measure and monitor impact.

We seek a proactive and adaptable approach, with the resilience to navigate evolving project requirements and client needs. You should be enthusiastic about engaging with the challenges of decarbonisation, infrastructure delivery, and the transition to low-carbon energy.

Proven experience in utilities, in a related infrastructure field, and/or grid codes and connection processes is required. Proficiency in 2D/3D AutoCAD and/or Revit is essential. Experience in running projects both independently and in a team environment is necessary. You should be comfortable challenging the status quo and exploring innovative utility solutions for new connections and diversions. You should also be happy to work across both EE and UI to help realise flexible new connections for electricity.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.