Principal Consultant – Policy, Regulation and Markets (Energy)

Overview

In this role you will lead the delivery and growth of WSP’s UK and global energy advisory portfolio focused on policy, regulation and markets. You will direct high-profile engagements, build strategic client relationships, and mentor teams to drive revenue growth and market expansion. You’ll act as a subject-matter expert in energy market regulation and design, shaping solutions across the electricity sector and beyond. This is a chance to influence regulatory reform and contribute to the decarbonisation agenda on an international scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Work-life balance
• Hybrid working
• Inclusive culture
• Thrive wellbeing programme
• Gymflex scheme
• Flexible working arrangements

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex energy sector projects with strong technical quality and client satisfaction
• Act as Project Director or Senior Project Manager on major assignments including governance, finance, risk and delivery excellence
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across geographies to deliver integrated client solutions
• Own major proposals, frameworks, and strategic pursuits to drive revenue growth
• Provide QA and ensure outputs align with WSP standards and client expectations
• Act as SME in energy market regulation and design to guide projects and programmes
• Develop innovative analytical approaches and models to address client challenges in evolving energy markets
• Produce and review complex reports, business cases, regulatory submissions and advisory documents
• Mentor and coach consultants and senior staff to build capability and knowledge sharing
• Drive technical excellence, regulatory insight and market knowledge within Energy Advisory
• Build and expand senior-level relationships with regulators, utilities, policymakers, investors and stakeholders
• Identify and shape business opportunities through trusted advisor relationships and market understanding
• Support key account management and contribute to strategic growth for priority clients and sectors
• Represent WSP at industry events and contribute to thought leadership and public thought pieces
• Contribute to development of Policy, Regulation and Markets strategy and identify emerging opportunities
• Occasional UK and international travel for engagements and business development

Key requirements

• Degree level or higher in Economics, Engineering, or other relevant STEM discipline, or substantial directly relevant industry experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and stakeholder engagement
• Significant experience in energy sector regulation/policy and market design, including price control processes and market operation
• Proven consultancy or advisory experience leading complex projects for regulators, utilities, investors, governments or developers
• Strong understanding of energy systems, regulation and markets, especially electricity, across multiple jurisdictions
• Experience leading project teams and managing complex stakeholder environments
• Proven track record of developing client relationships and securing new work
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of project financial management
• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and deadlines
• Desirable international experience, regulatory reform and market design experience
• Experience leading business development and cross-border teams

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Leadership and coaching abilities
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Energy market regulation and policy design
• Market design and price control mechanisms
• Regulatory submissions and business cases

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