Principal (European Competition practice)

About Charles River Associates

CRA's European Competition Practice specialises in providing economic advice on matters of competition policy and regulation. We assist firms and their legal advisors in all types of competition proceedings: firms considering merger and acquisition opportunities or involved in merger control proceedings; and firms undergoing investigations relating to cartels, restrictive commercial agreements, abuse of dominance or state aid. We also provide advice to firms involved in regulatory proceedings and sector inquiries. We offer assistance on the estimation of effects and damages in cartel cases, international arbitration and intellectual property disputes.

For more information on the Antitrust and Competition Economics practice in Europe visit

Position Overview

Principals have the unique opportunity to learn from, and work alongside, some of the most respected scholars, specialists, and industry experts in the world. We tailor our analyses to the facts of each case, employing tools such as merger simulation, upward pricing pressure analysis, econometrics, bargaining theory, or game theory as needed. Whether before a court or a regulatory agency, CRA consultants set a high standard for the clear communication of sophisticated economic analysis in complex cases. You will have access to internal training programs focused on creative problem solving, communications, and leading and managing colleagues, teams and cases. In addition, our firm offers extracurricular activities where you can take additional leadership roles in recruiting, training, and volunteer activities in the local community.

A typical Principal would:

• Work closely with leading academics and consulting with attorneys and other clients in industry and government on a wide variety of finance, strategy and economics issues;
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and assist in the development and presentation of client deliverables including expert reports summarizing our opinions, conclusions, and recommendations and third party financial, market and industry data;
• Independently conceptualize and identify issues, design complex economic and financial models to analyze economic and financial data;
• Manage the research process, and supervising, training and mentoring junior analysts;
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of analyses and opinions;
• Work with those testifying in judicial proceedings to provide economic analyses of mergers and other competition matters before the major competition authorities of the world;
• Assist with recruiting and training of new colleagues.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong achievement in a graduate degree program (Masters or PhD) with focused study in economics or another quantitative discipline;
• Extensive and relevant experience (7-11 years), preferably economics/antitrust consulting experience preferred;
• Demonstrated understanding of economic concepts, competition/regulatory authorities and quantitative and qualitative analysis methods;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Experience managing and developing teams of junior colleagues;
• Executive client presence and interaction skills.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (Equality Act 2010). As part of our focus on equity and inclusion, we work to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

The statements included in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.