At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in utilities and grid services, shaping the UK's energy transition.
- Company: Join a pioneering firm with over 150 years of experience in infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and societal impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale infrastructure projects and drive the energy transition.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree or above, strong analytical skills, and experience in utilities or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the team and role you will join
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. For over 150 years, we’ve shaped the built environment. Today, we’re redefining how it’s delivered and powered, where utilities and grid access are critical to success. 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. You’ll know how to unlock solutions where standard approaches fall short. We work across the full lifecycle: moving, protecting, and enabling infrastructure, while coordinating across architects, engineers, and other key stakeholders. We sit at the centre of complex projects to keep everything aligned and moving. Our work demands scale, experience, and creativity. 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.
Primary areas you would be working in within the Advisory and Advocacy team are:
- Utilities & Infrastructure — Our team combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to support clients in securing timely, cost‑effective, and future‑proof 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, depending on your outlook, presents challenge and opportunity in equal measure. One of the key challenges being access to power.
- Grid Services — Supporting the transformation of the UK to an all‑electric nation, working in a challenging environment to get the best form of 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.
About you
To be successful in this role you will need:
- A 2:1 degree or above in a relevant subject; you will bring strong analytical thinking and an appetite for solving complex problems.
- Proactive and adaptable approach, with the resilience to navigate evolving project requirements and client needs.
- 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.
- Proficient in 2D/3D AutoCAD and/or Revit.
- Proactive and independent.
- Experience in running projects both independently and in a team environment.
- Comfortable challenging the status quo and exploring innovative utility solutions for new connections and diversions.
- Happy to work across both EE and UI to help realise flexible new connections for electricity.
Principal Consultant – Utilities in England employer: Hoare Lea
As a Principal Consultant in our Advisory & Advocacy team, you will join a forward-thinking company that has been shaping the built environment for over 150 years. We offer a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while tackling the critical challenges of the UK's energy transition. With a focus on innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability, our London, Southwest, or Birmingham locations provide a vibrant backdrop for meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant – Utilities in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with professionals in utilities and infrastructure, the better your chances of landing that Principal Consultant role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on energy transition and innovative utility solutions. We want to see your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills shine through in conversations.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every interaction counts, so make sure to tailor your discussions to the specific needs of the company. Highlight your experience with grid codes and connection processes, and how you can help them navigate complex projects successfully.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our Advisory & Advocacy team and making a real impact in the utilities sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant – Utilities in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and any relevant experience in utilities or infrastructure. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the energy transition and how your background makes you a great fit for our Advisory & Advocacy team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:If you've got experience with AutoCAD or Revit, make it known! We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex utility requirements, so don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills and how they’ve helped you in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoare Lea
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of utilities, infrastructure, and grid services. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in energy transition and decarbonisation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've tackled complex problems in utilities or infrastructure. Think about times when you had to think outside the box to find innovative solutions. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and adaptability, which are key for this role.
✨Engage with the Team's Work
Research the Advisory & Advocacy team’s recent projects and successes. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their ongoing work. Showing that you understand their mission and how you fit into it will make a strong impression.
✨Be Ready to Challenge the Status Quo
This role requires someone who is comfortable pushing boundaries. Prepare to discuss how you've challenged traditional approaches in your previous roles. Highlight your proactive nature and willingness to explore new utility solutions, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
