Principal Economist

Adler & Allan Ltd; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Economist to lead projects in regulatory economics. The role involves developing regulatory business plans, providing strategic advisory services, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in the water, gas, or electricity sectors, with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills. This position offers competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career progression within a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary + discretionary bonus

Company pension

25 days annual leave + Bank holidays

Professional Membership fees paid

Electric Car Scheme

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in infrastructure management in water, gas, or electricity.
• Strong understanding of regulatory economics and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to time, cost, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advisory services across Regulatory Economics capability.
• Develop high-quality regulatory business plans and cost-benefit analyses.
• Mentor and coach junior team members.

Skills

Regulatory economics

Analytical skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Leadership capability

Education

Degree in Economics, Business, or Data Science

Job description

Job Description

Location: Flexible - Remote with office / client visits as required

Permanent full-time (40 hours)

Competitive salary plus benefits

We are looking for a forward-thinking Senior Economist to work across a range of projects and sectors, primarily in Water and Energy, leading the delivery of the Regulatory Economics capability and supporting Aqua's other core advisory capabilities.

You will join a dynamic and growing team that provides strategic insight and delivery support to help clients navigate change, optimise performance, and achieve sustainable outcomes. As a key member of the regulatory economics team your insights will shape the regulatory business plans and strategic decisions of many of the major water and energy companies in the UK.

In this role, you will lead and deliver high-impact projects, applying Aqua's expertise to help clients achieve success in regulatory business plans, and make better strategic decisions. Your responsibilities will include:

Lead strategic advisory services across Advisory's Regulatory Economics capability and support the other services: Strategy & Performance, Asset Planning, Environment & Sustainability, and Data & Insights.

Lead projects in activities such as:

• the development of high-quality regulatory business plans, such as cost-benefit analysis and incentives.
• regulatory cost benchmarking
• strategic advice relating to regulatory change and efficiency.
• Support the creation of long-term adaptive strategies to address future uncertainties.
• Undertake technical regulatory assurance activities to ensure compliance and robust decision-making.
• Analyse complex data sets to identify trends and provide actionable insights that drive performance.
• Organise and facilitate meetings and workshops with clients to enable collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations to inform client and internal decision-making.
• Deliver projects to excellent time, cost, and quality standards, exceeding client expectations.
• Contribute to business development activities, including supporting bids and proposals.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring Aqua consistently understands needs and adds value.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.

Qualifications

Degree in a related field (e.g. Economics, Business, Data Science) or relevant professional training or chartership.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a blend of technical expertise, consultancy skills, and leadership capability. Clients are at the heart of everything you do, and you’ll demonstrate the ability to constructively challenge accepted norms and always seek a better way.

Typically 8+ years of relevant professional experience in infrastructure management within the water, gas, or electricity industries.

Strong understanding of regulatory economics and strategic planning.

Ability to apply best practice and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Skilled in building and maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and trends.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to time, cost, and quality standards.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex concepts.

Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presentations for senior audiences.

Commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery principles.

Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and supporting team development.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays + option to purchase additional leave.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Company mobile phone and laptop provided.Training and career progression opportunities
• Professional Membership fees paid.
• Life Assurance Scheme 4 x annual salary
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (with access to GP appointments, Physio appointments and Mental Health Support)
• Medicash cash plan (Money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, glasses, contact lenses)
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave

Why Aqua Consultants?

We are a fast growing organisation with highly experienced staff at the heart of everything we do. We offer more than just a day job - Aqua offers very competitive salaries and a great working environment. You’ll be able to input into the development and growth of our business whilst we help you progress in your career.

Additional Information

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.