LCA and Fuels Specialist - Principal Consultant

As a Principal Consultant - LCA and Fuels Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting Ricardo's growing portfolio of LCA fuels work. As part of our LCA team, you will work across a wide range of sectors, helping clients assess environmental impacts, conduct LCAs and provide data‑driven insights to support sustainable decision‑making. You will lead technical delivery and client engagement, collaborating with a team of experts to develop innovative, sustainable solutions across various sectors.

We offer a collaborative and supportive environment, where technical expertise and practical delivery are equally valued. We welcome hybrid and remote working arrangements and wellbeing is at the heart of our company culture.

• Lead or contribute to LCA studies for low‑carbon and alternative fuels (e.g. hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, LNG), including pathway definition, data collection and impact modelling.
• Lead and contribute to other LCA studies across a range of sectors, as needed to support team priorities.
• Apply expert knowledge of fuel production, use‑phase emissions and system boundaries to ensure credible, robust LCA results.
• Lead or support the development of Excel‑based LCA models to complement or extend functionality from GaBi or Sima Pro, tailored to client‑specific needs.
• Manage or support the management of projects and work packages, ensuring high‑quality delivery on time, within budget and to a high technical standard.
• Oversee the financial aspects of projects, including budgeting, forecasting and tracking profitability.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored, insightful advice on sustainable fuel solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Ricardo's project governance and quality assurance processes.
• Support the development of proposals, including technical content and costings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring the successful delivery of services in the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

• Lead the building and development of LCA models using Microsoft Excel and/or bespoke software tools like Sima Pro or GaBi.
• Mentor junior team members, providing support and guidance on technical work and professional growth.
• Provide subject matter expertise in LCA, focusing on data modelling, interpretation of results and clear communication of findings.
• Conduct and review research, analysis and modelling to support client recommendations on fuel sustainability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, LCA results and presentations to communicate findings clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead the interpretation of LCA results and provide actionable insights for clients.
• Contribute to the development of new technical methodologies and best practices in LCA for fuels.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive engagement and project delivery.
• Stay informed on industry trends, policy developments and technological advancements in the LCA field.
• Represent Ricardo at conferences, workshops and other forums.
• Support business development by contributing to and leading the preparation of technical proposals and bids.
• Contribute to Ricardo's thought leadership through insights, analysis and knowledge‑sharing within the team and with clients.

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in a relevant technical area.
• Strong technical understanding of low‑carbon and alternative fuels, including typical production pathways, feed stocks and emissions factors.
• Advanced experience using GaBi and/or Sima Pro for modelling fuels‑related systems, with the ability to critically assess and customise datasets.
• Proven track record in delivering complex LCA projects, with the ability to manage multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong professional experience of LCA and strong Excel skills in a consultancy or customer‑facing environment.
• Excellent written and spoken business English, with the ability to produce high‑quality client reports, deliver presentations and engage confidently in meetings with international stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards,…