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- Tasks: Lead consultancy projects and build strong client relationships in the transport safety sector.
- Company: Join TRL, a leader in transport safety consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in consulting, client engagement, and project delivery is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and shaping the future of transport.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a high‑performing Principal Consultant who blends deep technical expertise in transport safety with a strong commercial and client‑focused mindset. This person will build strategic client relationships, identify and shape opportunities, win work, and lead the successful delivery of high‑quality consultancy projects.
You will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the transport space, helping commercial and government clients solve complex challenges and supporting the growth of TRL's consulting business. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys business development and relationship leadership as much as delivering impactful, evidence‑based work.
Transport sector experience is essential, but we will consider expertise in other relevant sectors, such as rail, aviation, defence, automotive technology and energy/nuclear safety. The successful candidate will be based at TRL Headquarters in Wokingham, Berkshire or Woolwich, London, and we welcome flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You should be willing to travel within the UK, with occasional international trips, as part of supporting clients and collaborative project work.
What you’ll do:
- Client and relationship leadership
- Build, maintain, and grow strong senior‑level client relationships.
- Lead engagement strategies to understand emerging needs and position TRL as a partner of choice.
- Represent TRL externally at industry forums, conferences, and client workshops.
- Business development and work winning
- Proactively identify and develop new opportunities through insight‑driven, consultative conversations.
- Lead bids and proposals, shaping compelling value propositions and delivering effective pitches.
- Support account growth planning and long‑term pipeline development.
- Monitor market trends and translate them into commercial opportunities.
- Technical leadership and project delivery
- Lead and deliver complex consultancy projects, ensuring technical excellence and measurable client value.
- Apply sound methodologies to shape robust, evidence‑based solutions.
- Mentor and support consultants and analysts, helping develop capability across the business.
- Provide technical judgement and challenge where needed to ensure work is robust, well‑reasoned, and aligned with best practice.
- Communicate complex concepts clearly, enabling clients to make informed decisions.
What we’re looking for:
- Professional background
- Demonstrable experience in consulting or advisory roles with strong exposure to client engagement.
- Proven track record in winning work, shaping opportunities, and growing client accounts.
- Strong project delivery experience across multidisciplinary assignments.
- Experience in leading teams and people management is preferable.
- Professional membership or chartership (e.g., CEng, MICE, CIHT, IOSH) beneficial but not essential.
- Knowledge of the Safe System approach is desirable.
- Commercial and client-focused skills
- Demonstrable ability to develop opportunities and build long‑term client relationships.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to articulate value‑driven propositions.
- Skilled in consultative selling, from understanding client needs to converting opportunities into work.
- Behaviours and mindset
- Comfortable in an outward‑facing, relationship‑led role.
- Proactive, entrepreneurial, and outcome‑focused.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to distil complex issues into compelling messages.
- Collaborative and able to influence across teams and with external stakeholders.
Why join TRL?
- Competitive salary and benefits
- 25 days annual leave
- Matched pension, healthcare cashback, income protection
- Professional development and chartership support
- Flexible, hybrid, and part‑time working options
- Opportunity to shape the future of safe, sustainable transport through high‑impact work
Principal Consultant in Wokingham employer: TRL
Contact Detail:
TRL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at conferences and workshops. Building relationships is key, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself and chat about your expertise in transport safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to pitch or present, make it count. Tailor your message to highlight how your experience can solve their specific challenges, and don’t forget to share some success stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay ahead of the game! Keep an eye on market trends and emerging needs in the transport sector. This will help you identify opportunities and position yourself as a go-to consultant who understands what clients really want.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in transport safety and client engagement, showing us how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Use specific examples of how you've won work or built strong client relationships to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at TRL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your transport safety knowledge and any relevant sectors like rail or aviation. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a consultant, but a knowledgeable expert.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role is all about client relationships, practice building rapport during your interview. Use examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients in the past. Show that you can connect with senior stakeholders and understand their needs.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've identified and developed new opportunities in previous roles. Share specific instances where your consultative selling skills led to winning work or growing client accounts. This will highlight your commercial mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice distilling complex concepts into simple messages. During the interview, aim to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. This will demonstrate your ability to help clients make informed decisions, which is crucial for the role.