Principal

Context of this opening

AFRY Management Consulting (previously known as Pöyry) has been covering the Japanese energy market for almost 15 years. Since 2013, AFRY started also modelling the Japanese power market for international and domestic clients. In 2020, the demand for energy market analysis and power market modelling in Japan began to grow dramatically, and we have accordingly further developed and enhanced our capabilities by regularly updating our Japan market models and reports in order to keep up with client demand. Currently, Japan has grown to become among our busiest markets.

AFRY provides power market analysis and modelling services for Japan to both large international investors, utilities and other clients as well as many domestic Japanese clients. In addition, AFRY also supports many domestic Japanese clients with their endeavours in the rest of the Asia Pacific region. We have seen a substantial growth in new clients, with the number of new clients doubling every year since 2020, including many domestic Japanese clients. Over the next few years, we expect further growth in both the Japanese domestic market and for services outside Japan for Japanese clients – both for our current offerings described above, as well as for a variety of other services that AFRY provides to the energy sector. To be able to facilitate this growth we are seeking a leader who gets excited about building businesses in general, including the idea of helping to build up AFRY’s local energy advisory business in Japan specifically, in close collaboration with AFRY Management Consulting’s teams across the region.

Responsibilities and duties

• Lead and grow AFRY’s management consulting business in Japan by meeting sales targets through selling new projects and repeat sales to AFRY’s extensive list of existing clients – as well as new clients that you bring and/or develop.  Prepare proposals including approach and pricing. Lead in sales pitches presenting convincing arguments to win sales.
• Manage large and complex projects ensuring client expectations are met, quality standards are maintained, and project profitability is delivered through effective organisation, planning, monitoring, and client management.
• Work with other senior team members to develop and drive business development campaigns, identify needs for internal process improvements and recommend solutions, and proactively engage with other AFRY departments to enable and develop cross-department services and solutions.
• Act as internal business leader, contributing to leadership of the regional team, identifying needs for process improvements and developing solutions, and driving collaboration with other AFRY departments to develop cross-department services and solutions.
• Develop a network of client contacts and build relationships to sell AFRY services.
• Foster teamwork and encourage colleagues to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Deliver presentations that convey information clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways which maximise impact. 
• Develop new intellectual capital and ensure knowledge and intellectual capital are shared by promoting cross-AFRY business awareness.
• Identify and apply communication and influencing styles that are appropriate to different people and different situation.
• Line management responsibilities for up to 3-4 Analysts, Consultants and/or Senior Consultants including setting objectives, providing feedback and coaching, performance appraisals and career development plans.
• Comply with AFRY’s Code of Conduct and other policies.

• Principal Consultants are likely to have >8-10 years of experience in the energy and/or management consulting sectors.
• Strong understanding of Japan and, ideally, other Asian energy/electricity markets and dynamics and how to apply the insights derived across the investor and utility landscape.
• Deep experience in electricity market analysis, electricity market modelling (e.g., PLEXOS), general management consulting, corporate strategy (or similar consulting), project finance or investments, power system planning, and/or market/commercial due diligence in relation to energy sector transactions.
• A proactive approach to leading projects, engaging clients and other AFRY teams, developing new products and approaches, and helping to lead the local team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, produce high-quality results within deadlines and budget. Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment that values initiative, creativity, maturity, and poise.
• A broad and deep professional network and contacts across electricity utilities, renewable developers, regulators and policy arenas in the region.
• At least a Bachelor’s degree, typically in Economics, Finance, Business, or Engineering from a leading university; however we also welcome candidates from other relevant backgrounds.
• Fluency in English and Japanese.

We offer a competitive salary, a performance-related bonus scheme, and a strong range of benefits, in a friendly international working environment with a wide variety of interesting and challenging projects.

If you want to contribute to the energy transition while helping drive our consulting business, please apply by providing a CV and cover letter stating why you want to work for AFRY and your salary expectations. We only accept online applications.

If we think you could be a good fit for the organisation, you will be invited to an interview.

For further information please visit our website 

Management Consulting | AFRY

AFRY is committed to creating an inclusive & diverse environment and we are actively looking for qualified candidates irrespective of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability, or age. You will be part of a global and diverse company where our differences are our strengths. Join us to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society.

At AFRY, we engineer change in everything we do. Change happens when brave ideas come together. When we collaborate, innovate technology, and embrace challenging points of view. That’s how we're making future. We are actively looking for qualified candidates to join our inclusive and diverse teams across the globe. Join us in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable future.