At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in utilities and energy economics, shaping the future of infrastructure.
- Company: Join Hoare Lea, a human-centric engineering consultancy committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, private medical cover, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy transition while working with a dynamic team.
- 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 us
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 to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.
We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. 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.
Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.
About the team and role, you would 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. The 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 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, 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 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.
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 is required.
- 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.
How to apply
To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.
Adjustments and accommodations
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.
Data privacy
We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.
Recruitment agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
Principal Consultant – Utilities and Energy Economics Services in Slough employer: Hoare Lea
Hoare Lea is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values individuality and collaboration. With a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical cover and flexible working arrangements, alongside opportunities for participation in community groups and extensive development schemes, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in vibrant cities like London, Southwest, or Birmingham, Hoare Lea provides a dynamic environment where innovative solutions to energy and infrastructure challenges are at the forefront of its mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant – Utilities and Energy Economics Services in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience in utilities and energy economics clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Hoare Lea.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant – Utilities and Energy Economics Services in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in utilities and energy economics, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. 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 aligns with our mission at Hoare Lea. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to highlight any relevant projects or roles you've had in utilities or infrastructure. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of grid services and energy economics, so make it clear how your experience fits the bill.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoare Lea
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of utilities, energy economics, and infrastructure delivery. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in decarbonisation and how they impact the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. Think about times when you had to challenge the status quo or come up with innovative solutions for utility connections. This is your chance to demonstrate your analytical thinking and adaptability.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
Hoare Lea values a human-centric and planet-conscious approach. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share your thoughts on sustainability and community engagement, and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering outstanding designs that meet community needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to energy transition projects or how they measure social impact. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
