Principal Consultant – Grid Services in Birmingham

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. 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 committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. 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.

We're looking for a Principal Consultant to join our Advisory & Advocacy (A&A) team—at the forefront of the UK's energy transition. For over 150 years, we've shaped the built environment. Now, we're redefining how it's powered. As electrification accelerates, securing and optimising grid connections has become one of the sector's biggest challenges—and opportunities.

A&A works where others can't—at the earliest stages of development, long before traditional design begins. We partner with landowners, developers, and energy stakeholders to unlock grid capacity, de-risk projects, and create viable connection strategies in an increasingly constrained system. This role is for someone who understands the grid from the inside out. You've secured connections from HV through to EHV, can navigate the UK connections process, and bring strong technical capability in power systems and electrical design, applying it to unlock real-world outcomes.

A key focus is solving one of the industry's biggest inefficiencies: connecting stranded generation with stranded demand. Through private wire and community energy models, we're enabling smarter, decentralised energy systems.

If you want to move beyond routine connection applications and help reshape how the UK energy system works, this is where you do it.

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.

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. One of the key challenges being access to power.

To be successful in this role you will need:

• A 2:1 degree or above in a relevant subject, with strong analytical thinking and an appetite for solving complex problems.
• Understanding all grid code and associated studies.
• PS CAD experience.
• DIg SILENT experience.
• Power Factory experience.
• EMT Study experience.
• Harmonic studies experience.
• Experience with direct NESO 275kV and 400kV applications.
• 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.
• 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 UI and MEP to help realise new connections for electricity.
• Proficient in 2D/3D AutoCAD and/or Revit.

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact aureliacherradi@hoarelea.com. 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.

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.

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates. 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.