Principal Climate Adaptation Consultant

Overview

Principal/Associate Consultant – Climate Change Advisory (UK)

AtkinsRéalis is a global leader in design, engineering, and project management, at the forefront of tackling climate change. Our Climate team is central to this mission, delivering technical advisory services in climate policy, risk, adaptation and resilience, international development, climate finance, climate-related financial disclosure (TCFD), Net Zero transition, and nature-based solutions.

The Opportunity: As our project portfolio and client base continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Principal or Associate Consultant to join our dynamic Climate team. This is a senior role for a driven professional with a proven track record in climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, climate disclosure, and the development of weather and climate services. You will lead teams, manage high-profile projects, and build strong client relationships, making a tangible impact on climate resilience in the UK and internationally.

Our climate change work spans multiple sectors:

• Water: analysing climate impacts on water supplies, advising on adaptation, and TCFD reporting.
• Transport: reviewing standards and identifying needed updates for future climates.
• Energy: assessing financial climate risks across supply chains and operations.
• Cities/local authorities: conducting risk assessments, developing adaptation plans, and integrating resilience into investments.
• Reporting: helping clients with TCFD, Paris Alignment, EU Taxonomy, and adaptation strategies.
• Development banks/governments: building organisational capacity, creating climate risk frameworks, and supporting international development projects.
• Our approach combines strategic planning, applied science, economics, evidence-based policy advice, and engineering, with support from specialist teams at AtkinsRéalis.

Your role

• Lead (and/or contribute to) the delivery of climate advisory services, including climate risk assessment, adaptation and resilience planning, climate finance, and climate/weather services.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams, ensuring technical excellence and high-quality project delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to clients across sectors such as water, transport, energy, cities, and international development.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, leveraging your network and expertise to grow the climate consultancy offering.
• Contribute to the development of innovative digital products and solutions.
• Collaborate across AtkinsRéalis’ business units to deliver integrated, impactful solutions.

About you

• Educated to degree level (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline (e.g. geography, environmental science, climate science, environmental economics, engineering); a relevant Masters or PhD is desirable.
• Relevant experience in the climate change sector, ideally in a consulting or advisory capacity.
• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating project teams, developing proposals, and winning work.
• Recognised expertise and professional network in climate change advisory, with a strong presence in the UK or international markets.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas, as required.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual), with the ability to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and committed to delivering positive climate impact.
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Reward & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. 

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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