Energy Policy, Regulation & Markets Lead — Hybrid

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Consultant – Policy, Regulation and Markets to lead delivery and growth of its UK and international energy transition projects. You will shape regulatory strategies, oversee complex engagements and mentor cross‑functional teams across the Energy Advisory portfolio.

You will drive market reform and regulatory advisory work, build senior client relationships, and contribute to strategic growth across multiple markets while enabling a decarbonised

Qualifications

• Degree level or higher in Economics, Engineering, or another STEM discipline, or substantial directly relevant industry experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Significant experience in energy sector regulation/policy and market design, including price control processes and mechanisms; market arrangements and their operation; economic appraisal and assessments.
• Proven consultancy, advisory or industry experience leading complex projects for regulators, utilities, investors, governments or infrastructure developers.
• Strong understanding of energy systems, regulation and markets, specifically electricity, with knowledge extending beyond a single jurisdiction.
• Demonstrable 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 meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex and strategically important energy sector projects, ensuring exceptional technical quality and client satisfaction.
• Act as Project Director or Senior Project Manager on major assignments, overseeing governance, financial performance, resource allocation, risk management, and delivery excellence.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across geographies, coordinating technical specialists to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Take ownership of developing and securing major proposals, frameworks and strategic pursuits, contributing to revenue growth and market expansion.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance for project outputs, ensuring alignment with WSP standards and client expectations.
• Act as a subject matter expert in energy market regulation and market design, providing strategic technical direction across projects and programmes.
• Lead the development of innovative analytical approaches, methodologies and models to address client challenges in rapidly evolving energy markets.
• Produce and review complex technical reports, business cases, regulatory submissions and strategic advisory documents to a high standard.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to consultants and senior consultants, supporting capability development and knowledge sharing.
• Drive continuous improvement in technical excellence, regulatory insight and market knowledge within the Energy Advisory business.

Skills

Energy regulation

Project leadership

Client relationships

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory market design

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Economics/Engineering/STEM

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Consultant – Policy, Regulation and Markets to lead delivery and growth of its UK and international energy transition projects. You will shape regulatory strategies, oversee complex engagements and mentor cross‑functional teams across the Energy Advisory portfolio.

You will drive market reform and regulatory advisory work, build senior client relationships, and contribute to strategic growth across multiple markets while enabling a decarbonised