Head of Demand Reduction

Kelda Group Limited 0000411940 - Kelda Group Limited; Bradford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company in Bradford is seeking a Head of Demand Reduction to lead strategic initiatives in reducing water loss. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in the water sector, strong communication skills, and a knack for innovation. This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package as part of the commitment to providing the best service for customers.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car Allowance

Executive bonus plan

Private health care

Attractive pension scheme

Life assurance cover

25 days annual leave

Wellness day

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational and/or strategic leadership within a commercially orientated or regulated environment.
• Strong background in the water, wastewater, or related infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, driving sustainable performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic leakage programme.
• Drive a culture of innovation and accountability across the leakage cycle.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners for operational improvements.

Skills

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Team motivation

Asset management principles

Effective communication

Education

Degree qualified or equivalent industry experience

Job description

Head of Demand Reduction

• We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience up to £120,000
• Car Allowance
• Executive bonus plan
• Private health care (Self and partner, if applicable)
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - plus an extra wellness day!
• A great benefits package - choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Location: This role will initially be based in Bradford but we're moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you'll be based there in the future

Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Demand Reduction to join the Customer, Distribution and Collection team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?

What we do:

Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year, can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it's so much more than this.

We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region's health, wellbeing, and prosperity.

New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. Customer, Distribution and Collection team are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.

The Leakage Operations department at Yorkshire Water plays a critical role in leading the strategic and operational efforts to reduce water loss across the network. The role is responsible for setting and executing the leakage reduction strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, enhancing asset resilience, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By championing innovation, leveraging data-driven decision making, and cultivating high-performing teams, the department drives measurable improvements in leakage performance and customer outcomes, contributing directly to the achievement of business plan targets.

Where you fit in:

As our Head of Demand Reduction you will

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic leakage programme that ensures safe, reliable performance and continuous improvement.
• Drive a culture of innovation and accountability across the full leakage cycle, ensuring visibility of processes and performance at company and regional levels.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver operational improvements and align on business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure real-time understanding and management of asset risks, providing audit and assurance to maintain compliance with company standards.
• Champion data-driven decision making, ensuring accurate measurement, reporting, and interpretation of leakage performance commitments.
• Deliver effective return on investment for leakage enhancement programmes, optimising resource use and maximising impact.
• Contribute to the Water Service Delivery Leadership Team, influencing strategic decisions and supporting business plan performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing, engaged team focused on reducing water loss, improving customer outcomes, and enhancing network reliability.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Proven experience in operational and/or strategic leadership within a commercially orientated or regulated environment.
• Strong background in the water, wastewater, or related infrastructure sectors, with deep industry knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, driving sustainable performance against challenging business targets.
• Skilled in strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management to support business objectives.
• Expertise in leading change initiatives, influencing culture, and embedding continuous improvement across teams.
• Solid understanding of asset management principles and regulatory frameworks, including Ofwat, DWI, and EA.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and take a holistic view of risk and performance.
• Degree qualified or equivalent industry experience, with high standards of integrity and professional ethics.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it's important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn't always easy!

Do we sound like your cup of tea?

If you've got experience as an Head of Demand Reduction and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Closing date - 19th November 2025

If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.

All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

No agencies please.