Asset Standards Manager

idibu; England; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking an Asset Standards Manager to lead a team in establishing lifecycle standards across design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning processes. This role involves technical leadership, collaboration with stakeholders, and management of the Asset Standards team budget. The ideal candidate will have experience in engineering or asset management, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £85,000 per annum

26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service

Car Allowance

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health

Wellbeing benefits including health MOTs and physiotherapy

Qualifications

• Must have a valid UK driving license for site visits.
• Experience developing engineering or asset standards required.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., ISO 55000).
• Proven track record of leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain lifecycle standards for design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Provide technical leadership and collaborate with SMEs.
• Track industry trends and regulatory changes.
• Lead a team of standards specialists and manage the team budget.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Technical documentation

Job description

We are looking for a strategic technical leader who will set the standards across the full asset lifecycle—covering design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning ensuring we meet our organisational goals and regulatory requirements.

What you’ll be doing as an Asset Standards Manager

You’ll lead a team of standards specialists and work hand‑in‑hand with Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to embed best practice and unlock performance and value in design, construction, operation and maintenance through implementation of optimal asset standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain lifecycle standards:
  • Design – define technical specs and design criteria for consistency and quality.
  • Operation – set operational protocols and performance benchmarks.
  • Maintenance – shape preventive/predictive strategies.
  • Decommissioning – create safe, efficient, cost‑effective retirement and disposal standards.
• Provide technical leadership, collaborating with SMEs across Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to ensure standards meet business needs.
• Track industry trends and regulatory change to keep us compliant and competitive.
• Own the governance framework for asset standards, including creation, adoption and change control.
• Lead a team of six standards specialists; set clear objectives and support their development.
• Prepare and present compliance and standards reports to senior leaders and regulators.
• Manage the Asset Standards team budget and deliver indirect cost savings across design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Base location

Hybrid - Clearwater Court, RG1 8DB

Working pattern/hours

36 hours, Monday‑Friday

Requirements

Must have a valid UK driving license, as there will be site visits to meet job requirements.

What you should bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or related field (Master's preferred) and relevant professional certifications (e.g. CEng).
• Demonstrable experience developing engineering or asset standards, or leading asset management, engineering design and/or maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, asset lifecycle principles, and relevant industry standards (e.g. ISO 55000).
• A track record of leading technical teams and coordinating cross‑functional input.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at pace.
• Expertise in technical documentation and report writing; data‑driven decision‑making.
• Strategic, systems‑thinking mindset with strengths in change management, continuous improvement, and risk & lifecycle awareness.
• Confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders and external bodies/regulators.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to bring

• Experience in regulated utilities (water or similar).
• Experience embedding standards into capital delivery and day‑to‑day operations.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary up to £85,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world's water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.