Principal Economist

Aqua Consultants; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm specializing in water and energy seeks a Senior Economist to lead regulatory advisory services. This role involves developing business plans, analysing data for insights, and mentoring team members. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in infrastructure management and a strong understanding of regulatory economics. The position offers a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and opportunities for training and career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary + discretionary bonus

Company pension

25 days annual leave

Company mobile phone and laptop

Training and career progression opportunities

Life Assurance Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in infrastructure management in relevant industries.
• Strong understanding of regulatory economics and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to deliver multiple projects on time and to quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advisory services for regulatory economics.
• Develop high-quality regulatory business plans and conduct cost-benefit analyses.
• Analyse data to identify trends and provide insights for performance improvement.
• Prepare reports and presentations for client decision-making.

Skills

Regulatory economics

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder relationship management

Communication skills

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advisory services across Advisory’s Regulatory Economics capability and support the other services.
• 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.

• 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
• Medicash cash plan
• 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.