LCA and Fuels Specialist - Principal Consultant

Description

As a Principal Consultant you will lead and contribute to LCA studies for fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels and LNG, defining pathways, collecting data and modelling impacts. You will develop and customize Excel‑based LCA models, manage project work‑packages, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with governance standards. Client engagement is a core part of the role, requiring tailored advice, strong relationship building and participation in business development activities. You will mentor junior team members and help evolve technical methodologies and best practices in LCA for fuels. The position involves collaboration with geographically distributed teams, requiring flexibility across time zones.

• Lead or contribute to LCA studies for low‑carbon and alternative fuels, covering pathway definition, data collection and impact modelling.
• Develop and customize Excel‑based LCA models to extend GaBi or SimaPro functionality for client‑specific needs.
• Manage project work‑packages, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and to high technical standards.
• Oversee project financials, including budgeting, forecasting and profitability tracking.
• Engage with clients to understand requirements and provide tailored sustainable fuel advice.
• Ensure compliance with Ricardo’s project governance and quality assurance processes.
• Support proposal development with technical content and cost estimations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships across the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
• Mentor junior team members, offering technical guidance and professional development support.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise in LCA, focusing on data modelling, result interpretation and clear communication.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, LCA results and presentations for clients and stakeholders.
• Interpret LCA results and deliver actionable insights to support client decision‑making.
• Contribute to new technical methodologies and best practices in LCA for fuels.
• Stay informed on industry trends, policy developments and technological advances in the LCA field.
• Represent Ricardo at conferences, workshops and other professional forums.
• Lead preparation of technical proposals and bids to support business development.
• Contribute thought leadership through insights, analysis and knowledge‑sharing within the team and with clients.
• Analyze complex data to provide clear insights and actionable recommendations.

Requirements

• Hold a degree or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of low‑carbon and alternative fuel production pathways, feedstocks and emission factors.
• Possess advanced experience with GaBi and/or SimaPro for fuels‑related modelling and dataset customization.
• Show a proven track record of delivering complex LCA projects and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Exhibit strong Excel skills and consultancy experience in client‑facing environments.
• Communicate effectively in written and spoken business English, producing high‑quality reports and presentations.
• Know relevant legislation, standards, trends and best practices in fuels, sustainability and LCA.
• Apply strong project management and commercial skills, including budgeting and financial tracking.
• Demonstrate excellent client and stakeholder communication, influencing and negotiation abilities.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting their technical and professional growth.
• Ability to work effectively within a geographically distributed team and accommodate time‑zone differences.

Benefits

Ricardo offers a supportive, inclusive environment where wellbeing is at the heart of the company culture. Flexible working arrangements—including remote, office and hybrid options—are encouraged to promote work‑life balance. The firm values diversity, equality and inclusion, recognizing that a varied workforce drives innovation and better client service. Employees receive a comprehensive remuneration and benefits package that supports physical and mental health. Ricardo is a recognised Disability Confident employer and an equal‑opportunity organization.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance