Senior Consultant - Net Zero (Airports)

The Role

As a Senior Consultant, you will play a key role in helping clients across the aviation sector transition to a more sustainable future. You will support airports, airlines, ground handlers and aircraft manufacturers in developing and implementing strategies to reduce environmental impacts and achieve net zero. The role involves technical delivery, client engagement, project management and proposal development across a range of airport sustainability services including GHG inventory development, carbon and energy management, Scope 3 emissions and compliance with emerging regulatory requirements. You will combine specialist technical expertise with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills to deliver impactful outcomes for clients. Working collaboratively with colleagues across multi-disciplinary teams, you will contribute to projects in the UK and internationally.

• Manage and deliver airport-related net zero, carbon and sustainability projects in line with Ricardo’s procedures and client requirements.
• Collect, analyse and interpret sustainability-related data, including GHG inventories, energy use and emission sources, to inform strategies and recommendations.
• Ensure outputs meet agreed quality and timescale requirements, providing progress updates and flagging risks early.
• Deliver project management responsibilities, including budgeting, scheduling and task allocation.
• Produce clear, accurate and high-quality deliverables such as technical reports, data summaries and presentations for clients and stakeholders.
• Apply advanced knowledge of airport sustainability challenges and decarbonisation pathways to develop and deliver solutions.
• Lead the development of net zero strategies, energy and carbon management plans and Scope 3 emission reduction approaches.
• Contribute expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, verification, energy auditing and identification of decarbonisation measures.
• Maintain awareness of relevant current and emerging regulations, advising clients on compliance requirements.
• Stay up to date on sustainable aviation practices, industry trends and innovations, sharing knowledge with clients and colleagues.
• Act as a key client contact, fostering strong relationships with airport management, airlines, staff and local communities.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to a variety of stakeholders through workshops, presentations and written deliverables.
• Support clients in building organisational commitment and engagement in their net zero journey.
• Support the preparation of high-quality proposals covering net zero, carbon management, Scope 3 and related bids.
• Identify opportunities to extend Ricardo’s support to new areas within the aviation sector.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and business development across the Net Zero team.
• Take ownership of personal development planning and objectives through regular discussions with the Team Leader.
• Apply feedback to enhance performance and share expertise with junior colleagues.
• Uphold Ricardo’s values in day-to-day working and represent the consultancy professionally.

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Proven experience in the aviation sector, with a track record in airport GHG inventory development, net zero strategy and project delivery.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, managing budgets and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
• Technical expertise in areas such as net zero strategy development, carbon and energy management, Scope 3, GHG accounting and verification and energy auditing.
• Knowledge of airport operations and sustainability challenges specific to the aviation sector.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly.
• Excellent analytical skills, with experience in handling, interpreting and presenting data.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and with clients internationally.

• Experience of international project delivery in regions such as Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia.
• Experience in a consultancy environment or equivalent client-facing role.