Principal

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