Senior Principal - Energy & Utilities (London, UK)

About this role

At Q5, we partner with several of the world’s leading energy and utilities organisations to solve complex challenges – whether it's navigating transformation, unlocking growth, or optimising performance. Our Energy, Utilities and Natural Resources practice works with C-suite clients across a broad range of businesses, from Global Supermajors, national scale utilities, small independents and high-growth PE backed businesses
We’re looking for a Senior Principal (Engagement Manager) with experience across the Energy & Utilities sector, who brings intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and lead teams. If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy tackling complex problems, and are eager to make a real impact on the industry, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
1. Consulting & Delivery
You’ll lead teams and client engagements that drive outstanding results for our clients.

• Own the end-to-end delivery of multiple engagements, from scoping and mobilisation to execution and wrap-up.

• Lead project teams, ensuring clarity of roles, effective collaboration, and structured problem-solving.

• Build strong client relationships, acting as the go-to advisor for senior stakeholders and influencing key decisions – operating confidently and comfortably at senior levels.

• Manage project scope, risks, and commercials, keeping delivery on track while maintaining high standards.

• Drive structured problem-solving, leveraging frameworks, data insights, and industry knowledge to address client challenges.

• Deliver compelling presentations and facilitate high-impact workshops, shaping decision-making at the highest level.

• Adapt consulting methodologies to suit each client’s context – balancing best practice with pragmatic solutions.

• Navigate complex stakeholder environments, managing competing priorities, internal client politics and organisational dynamics with finesse.

• Coach and develop team members, ensuring both individual growth and collective team performance.

2. Business Development & Thought Leadership
You’ll shape the future of our Energy, Utilities and Natural Resources practice, with a specific focus on the Energy & Utilities industry.

• Expand your professional network and help establish Q5 as a trusted advisor in the Energy & Utilities industry, securing and expanding key client relationships.

• Proactively seek out and develop opportunities through both your personal network and leveraging Q5’s extended network.

• Lead and contribute to proposals, shaping compelling narratives that win work.

• Stay ahead of industry trends, translating emerging challenges into solutions for our clients.

3. People & Practice Leadership
You’ll mentor, develop, and inspire the next generation of consultants.

• Adopt responsibility for developing and mentoring junior consultants, actively supporting the growth and development of their careers.

• Drive thought leadership within the practice, developing new methodologies and insights.

• Shape Q5’s approach to Energy and Utilities consulting, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve.

• Contribute to our internal ecosystem—whether it’s leading training, developing intellectual property, or enhancing our ways of working.
· You will use your deep understanding of the Energy & Utilities industry to shape the strategy for the Energy, Utilities and Natural Resources practice, identifying areas of opportunity for growth.
Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in management consulting with a particular focus in the Energy & Utilities industry

• A track record of leading projects and teams within a consulting environment.
· Demonstrable experience in Organisation Design, Organisational Strategy, Organisational Performance, Transformation, and/or People-related Change.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills—comfortable engaging with senior executives, “leading the room” and challenging thinking when needed.

• Exceptional presentation creation and delivery ability – able to structure and deliver engaging workshops with senior leaders.

• Detailed understanding of industry practices, dynamics, and operating environments.

• Analytical problem-solving skills – able to cut through complexity, connect dots, and translate data into actionable insights.

• Intellectual curiosity, be able to learn as you go, and problem solve challenges you come across.

• The ability to navigate ambiguity and think on your feet.

• A consultative mindset – knowing when to follow structured methodologies and when to tailor approaches.

• A collaborative, low-ego style – you thrive in teams and enjoy mentoring others.
Benefits
Finance

• Performance Related Bonus

• Contributory Pension Plan

• Life Assurance and Income Protection

• New Starter Loan
Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to Digital GP and Wellbeing Apps

• Internal Wellbeing Programme
Family & Lifestyle

• Electric Car and Cycle to Work Schemes

• Enhanced Parental Leave

• Subsidised eye tests and support with the cost prescribed glasses for DSE use