Associate Director – Local Energy Planning and Acceleration

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We are an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. Through our work, we make a positive difference in the world. Our determination to be a leader in the global net zero transition underpins our ambition to grow.

This is an opportunity to play a crucial role in Arup's energy business in Wales, and to lead local energy planning projects across the UK and beyond. You will be instrumental in scaling our presence in Wales, drawing on Arup's global expertise to deliver transformative low-carbon solutions. We're seeking a leader to define our strategy, cultivate a dynamic team, and drive our growth in this critical market, directly contributing to UK and Wales energy transition and Arup's global ambitions.

We act as trusted adviser for strategy, policy and action on climate change and low carbon energy and a leading consultant in the planning, design and delivery of low carbon infrastructure. The team has a strong, shared commitment to a low carbon, sustainable and more resilient future, and an excellent reputation and network across Wales.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity

This is a leadership role, responsible for supporting and developing team members, business development activities and work winning and acting as project director and technical director on key projects. This role is for a strategic business and technical leader to enable us undertake energy advisory work and techno-economic studies and develop collaborative relationship with utilities companies, government entities, power developers both in the government and private sector.

In this role you will win and deliver work with clients to: Deliver whole systems energy modelling as a robust evidence base to inform plans. Help to align energy planning approaches for efficiency and effectiveness (including developing relationships and engaging with digital platform providers). Bring together skills to support delivery of energy plans through e.g. regulatory investment; business case support and PMO delivery. This is an externally facing role. You will be responsible for refining and developing our propositions, building relationships with clients and collaborators, and cementing Arup’s reputation in the marketplace.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people with the following skills –

·       Degree in engineering or other equivalent experience; chartership in a relevant professional institution.

·       Experience in one or more of the following areas of the energy system: energy networks, retrofit, renewables, EVs. Experience in energy modelling and planning.

·       Experience in business development; cultivating relationships with clients and stakeholders.

·       Experience of developing technical skills in junior colleagues to support career progression, depth in resources and succession planning.

·       Experience of working within a commercial environment (bids and projects), including client liaison, programme and time management, quality assurance and financial/budget control.

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com. Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit: https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing date: 30 September 2025

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