Capacity Planning Manager

Thames Water Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

26 days holiday

Pension scheme

Benefits package

Job summary

Thames Water in Reading seeks a Capacity Planning Manager to lead a small team and turn data into action. You will balance demand, optimise resources, and deliver capacity insights across operations, shaping strategy and performance.

Responsibilities include coaching analysts, building forecasts, and developing reporting tools. A hybrid role with 36 hours/week and office presence in Reading; strong Excel/Power BI skills and stakeholder engagement are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have experience leading a team and managing performance.
• Strong analytical skills with capacity planning experience.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proficient in Excel/Power BI; SQL a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach Demand and Capacity Analysts.
• Forecast demand and capacity; inform strategy and performance.
• Bridge between operations and data teams to drive decisions.
• Develop and enhance reporting tools for capacity planning.
• Improve processes for smarter ways of working.

Skills

Leadership & people management

Data analysis

Capacity planning

Stakeholder engagement

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Operational planning

Education

Analytical degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Capacity Planning Manager

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about turning data into action. In this role, you’ll lead a small, dedicated team to balance demand, optimise resourcing, and deliver valuable capacity‑based insights across our operational areas. You’ll play a key part in ensuring that our field and office teams have the right resources at the right time, helping Thames Water deliver essential services smoothly and efficiently.

What you’ll be doing as a Capacity Planning Manager

• Leading and coaching a team of Demand and Capacity Analysts, supporting their development and performance
• Building strong relationships with operational teams across Water Production, Wastewater Treatment, and Pumping
• Producing demand and capacity forecasts, and using your insights to shape business strategy and improve performance
• Acting as a bridge between operational teams and data & insight colleagues, ensuring we use data to drive decision‑making
• Reviewing and improving processes to identify smarter, more efficient ways of working
• Working as a product owner to develop and enhance reporting tools that support demand and capacity planning

Base location: Hybrid - Reading, Kemble Court - RG2 6AD (hybrid: 1 day a week in the office, plus 2 team days a month)

Working hours: 36 hours per week, typically 8:00–4:00 or 9:00–5:00

What you should bring to the role

• Experience leading, coaching and managing a team, including performance management, team strategy and supporting career progression
• Experience working in a similar role focused on business improvement through data, with a good understanding of capacity planning levers and metrics
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience in capacity or resource planning
• Confidence working with and influencing senior stakeholders
• Solid technical skills in Excel or Power BI (SQL experience would be a plus)
• A background in operational planning, scheduling or field management would be an advantage
• A degree in an analytical field such as Science, Maths, or Geography is desirable but not essential
• Strong operational and data experience, but who may not yet have formal managerial experience, are also encouraged to apply

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £52,480 to £59,000 per annum depending on skills and experience
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Performance‑related pay plan.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself 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 (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Company: Thames Water

Salary: £52,480 to £59,000 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Reading, RG2 6AD

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 24 Oct 2026

Closing date: 6 Nov 2026

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 of 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.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.