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- Tasks: Lead impactful transport safety projects and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join TRL, a leader in transport consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable transport while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in consulting, client engagement, and project delivery required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and chartership support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 - Transport Safety in Wokingham employer: TRL
Contact Detail:
TRL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Transport Safety in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet potential clients and showcase your expertise. Remember, it's all about building those relationships that can lead to future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up; reach out to companies you admire and express your interest. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your pitch to highlight how your skills can solve their specific challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website for job applications! It’s a great way to stay updated on new roles and connect directly with us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Transport Safety 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 transport safety experience and how it aligns with our client-focused mindset. We want to see how you can bring value to TRL!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've built client relationships or led successful projects. This helps us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your skills and experiences effectively. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the transport sector!
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 TRL!
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
Prepare to talk about your experience in winning work and developing new opportunities. Have a few success stories ready that highlight your consultative selling skills and how you've turned insights into actionable proposals.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to distil complex concepts into clear messages, so practice explaining your ideas simply and effectively. Think about how you would present a technical solution to a non-technical audience, as this will be key in your role.