LCA & Fuels Specialist - Principal Consultant

Ricardo plc; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Consultant - LCA and Fuels Specialist. In this role, you will lead and contribute to LCA studies, engage with clients to provide innovative fuel solutions, and support project management. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant technical area and advanced experience with LCA tools like GaBi and SimaPro. Strong analytical skills and excellent communication ability are essential. This position offers hybrid and remote working arrangements along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Support for physical and mental health

Diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in a relevant technical area.
• Advanced experience using GaBi and/or SimaPro for modeling fuels-related systems.
• A proven track record in delivering complex LCA projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to LCA studies for low-carbon and alternative fuels.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs for sustainable fuel solutions.
• Build and maintain client relationships through proactive engagement.

Skills

Low-carbon and alternative fuels expertise

Excel proficiency

Strong analytical skills

Client communication

Project management

Education

Degree in relevant technical area

Tools

GaBi

SimaPro

Job description

As a Principal Consultant - LCA and Fuels Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting Ricardo's growing portfolio of LCA fuels work. As part of our LCA team, you will work across a wide range of sectors, helping clients assess environmental impacts, conduct LCAs and provide data‑driven insights to support sustainable decision‑making. You will lead technical delivery and client engagement, collaborating with a team of experts to develop innovative, sustainable solutions across various sectors. We offer a collaborative and supportive environment, where technical expertise and practical delivery are equally valued. We welcome hybrid and remote working arrangements and wellbeing is at the heart of our company culture.

Project delivery and management

• Lead or contribute to LCA studies for low‑carbon and alternative fuels (e.g. hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, LNG), including pathway definition, data collection and impact modelling.
• Lead and contribute to other LCA studies across a range of sectors, as needed to support team priorities.
• Apply expert knowledge of fuel production, use‑phase emissions and system boundaries to ensure credible, robust LCA results.
• Lead or support the development of Excel‑based LCA models to complement or extend functionality from GaBi or SimaPro, tailored to client‑specific needs.
• Manage or support the management of projects and work packages, ensuring high‑quality delivery on time, within budget and to a high technical standard.
• Oversee the financial aspects of projects, including budgeting, forecasting and tracking profitability.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored, insightful advice on sustainable fuel solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Ricardo's project governance and quality assurance processes.
• Support the development of proposals, including technical content and costings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring the successful delivery of services in the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Technical delivery and leadership

• Lead the building and development of LCA models using Microsoft Excel and/or bespoke software tools like SimaPro or GaBi.
• Mentor junior team members, providing support and guidance on technical work and professional growth.
• Provide subject matter expertise in LCA, focusing on data modelling, interpretation of results and clear communication of findings.
• Conduct and review research, analysis and modelling to support client recommendations on fuel sustainability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, LCA results and presentations to communicate findings clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead the interpretation of LCA results and provide actionable insights for clients.
• Contribute to the development of new technical methodologies and best practices in LCA for fuels.

Client relationships and business development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive engagement and project delivery.
• Stay informed on industry trends, policy developments and technological advancements in the LCA field.
• Represent Ricardo at conferences, workshops and other forums.
• Support business development by contributing to and leading the preparation of technical proposals and bids.
• Contribute to Ricardo's thought leadership through insights, analysis and knowledge‑sharing within the team and with clients.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in a relevant technical area.
• Strong technical understanding of low‑carbon and alternative fuels, including typical production pathways, feedstocks and emissions factors.
• Advanced experience using GaBi and/or SimaPro for modelling fuels‑related systems, with the ability to critically assess and customise datasets.
• Proven track record in delivering complex LCA projects, with the ability to manage multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong professional experience of LCA and strong Excel skills in a consultancy or customer‑facing environment.
• Excellent written and spoken business English, with the ability to produce high‑quality client reports, deliver presentations and engage confidently in meetings with international stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, trends and best practices in fuels, sustainability and LCA.
• Strong project management skills with a good understanding of commercial principles, including budgeting and financial tracking.
• Strong client and stakeholder communication skills (e.g. influencing, negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills).
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide clear insights.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and supporting their technical and professional development.
• Able to work effectively as part of a geographically distributed team, with flexibility to accommodate time‑zone differences for regular collaboration with UK‑based colleagues.

Desirable technical and professional skills, knowledge and qualification

• Experience in consultancy, particularly with commercial awareness and the ability to work under various contract types.
• Experience working with international clients, particularly in the UK or EU.

Benefits

You will receive a range of benefits which include support for your physical and mental health.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in each person's potential and will help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we.

Next steps

Once you have submitted your application, a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date. Ricardo is a Disability confident employer – please advise the recruitment team via [e-mail] if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.