Principal Consultant - Economics

Wsp In Australia; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

WSP in Australia is expanding its Water Economics, Policy & Strategy team and seeking a Principal Consultant - Economics to shape infrastructure, policy and investment decisions across the Australian water sector. You will combine economic expertise with strategic thinking to deliver high-quality advisory services.

You will lead economic appraisal, cost-benefit analysis and modelling, developing robust business cases for government, utilities and private clients while mentoring analysts and

Qualifications

• Degree in Economics, Commerce, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Economics or related field.
• ~10+ years of relevant experience in consulting, government, infrastructure, utilities or advisory environments.
• Strong expertise in economic appraisal, cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling.
• Experience developing business cases and investment assessments.
• Solid understanding of Australian infrastructure and water sector investment frameworks.
• Strong client engagement, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven project and commercial management capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver economic appraisal and advisory projects for water and infrastructure clients.
• Undertake cost-benefit analysis, economic modelling, business case development and investment prioritisation studies.
• Translate complex economic and technical analysis into clear, practical advice for decision-makers.
• Manage project delivery, including scope, budgets, commercial performance and client outcomes.
• Support business development activities, proposal preparation and work-winning initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across government, utilities and industry.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to analysts and consultants.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, planning, environment and advisory disciplines.

Skills

Economic appraisal

Cost-benefit analysis

Economic modelling

Business case development

Investment assessments

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Commercial management

Education

Degree in Economics or related field

Job description

Job Description

Flexible location across Australia | Water Economics, Policy & Strategy

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life.

We're growing our Water Economics, Policy & Strategy team and are seeking a Principal Consultant - Economics to help shape major infrastructure, policy and investment decisions across Australia's water sector.

In this role, you'll combine economic expertise with strategic thinking to deliver high-quality advisory services that help clients make informed decisions about the future of water infrastructure and services. You'll work with water utilities, government agencies, regulators, infrastructure owners and private sector clients, providing robust economic analysis and practical, evidence-based recommendations.

What You'll Do

• Lead and deliver economic appraisal and advisory projects for water and infrastructure clients.
• Undertake cost-benefit analysis, economic modelling, business case development and investment prioritisation studies.
• Translate complex economic and technical analysis into clear, practical advice for decision-makers.
• Manage project delivery, including scope, budgets, commercial performance and client outcomes.
• Support business development activities, proposal preparation and work-winning initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across government, utilities and industry.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to analysts and consultants.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, planning, environment and advisory disciplines.

About You

You are an experienced economics or advisory professional who enjoys solving complex problems and helping clients make confident investment decisions.

You Will Bring

• A degree in Economics, Commerce, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Economics or a related discipline.
• Approximately 10+ years of relevant experience within consulting, government, infrastructure, utilities or advisory environments.
• Strong expertise in economic appraisal, cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling.
• Experience developing business cases, investment assessments, options evaluations or economic impact studies.
• A solid understanding of Australian infrastructure, government or water sector investment frameworks.
• Strong client engagement, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven project management and commercial management capability.
• A collaborative, commercially-minded approach and a passion for delivering high-quality outcomes.

Why Join WSP?

At WSP, we're committed to creating future-ready solutions for communities across Australia and around the world.

You’ll Enjoy

• Opportunities to work alongside leading economists, policy specialists and technical experts.
• Global career pathways backed by the scale and expertise of one of the world's leading professional services firms.
• Access to nationally significant water, infrastructure and advisory projects.
• A genuinely collaborative culture that supports growth, innovation and professional development.
• Competitive salary and a comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements designed to support your lifestyle and wellbeing.
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and additional leave purchase options.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join WSP and help shape the economic decisions that deliver sustainable water and infrastructure outcomes for communities across Australia.