Head of Engineering Services - Water

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK is looking for a Head of Engineering Services - Water. This role involves leading core engineering services, driving innovation, and transforming engineering operations to enhance the customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a strategic background in engineering, excellent project management skills, and the ability to inspire teams. Join us to make a significant impact on water infrastructure and services.

Benefits

26 days holiday increasing to 30

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Access to various wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a regulated or infrastructure environment.
• Experience in a matrix environment with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for continuous development and inclusivity in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead core engineering services to multiple operations.
• Coordinate engineering programme teams.
• Drive innovation and embedding transformation in engineering.

Skills

Strategic leadership experience

Strong programme and project management skills

Ability to deliver continuous improvement

Excellent communication skills

Inspiring and coordinating teams

Education

Honours degree in engineering or related field

Job description

At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to our 16 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. We deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities, and the environment can thrive.

We’re on a mission to shape the future of water for generations to come. Our AMP8 Business Plan (2025–2030) is our most ambitious yet, with a proposed £20 billion investment, more than double the last five-year period. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform water infrastructure across London and the Thames Valley, ensuring safe, high-quality water and a resilient network for the future.

You’ll have influence at the highest level, working across the organisation and engaging directly with senior leaders and directors.

As our Head of Engineering Services - Water, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering this vision, transforming and growing our Engineering Services. You’ll lead and develop a talented team, drive innovation, and ensure our engineering services are at the heart of every project, making a real impact on the lives of millions.

What you’ll be doing as Head of Engineering Services - Water

As Head of Engineering Services - Water, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the delivery of core engineering services to Operations, Capital Programme, Asset Planning, and Retail.
• Acting as the primary gateway for the wider business and supply chain partners into the Chief Engineering function.
• Ensuring operational needs are met by working closely with senior engineering leaders and partners.
• Adopting a systems-thinking approach across the project lifecycle, from planning to handover and maintenance.
• Managing and coordinating internal and external engineering programme teams.
• Driving affordable, high-quality solutions that deliver real benefits for our customers and communities.
• Shaping the future of engineering at Thames Water, embedding transformation and new ways of working.
• Developing and growing a high-performing, inclusive team ready for the challenges of AMP8, AMP9, and beyond.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including regulators and local authorities.
• Championing a zero-compromise approach to health, safety, and wellbeing.

Base location

Clearwater Court, Reading (with flexible working options)

Working pattern or hours

Full-time, flexible working available

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Strategic leadership experience in engineering services, ideally within a regulated or infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrable ability to deliver continuous improvement and drive performance.
• Strong programme and project management skills.
• Experience working in a matrix environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• A talent for inspiring, coordinating, and empowering teams.
• Minimum of an honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related field.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Passion for continuous professional development and inclusivity in engineering.
• Awareness of operating in complex environments with political and media stakeholders.
• Formal professional recognition (e.g., CEng, CSci) or a relevant business degree (e.g., MBA).

What’s in it for you?

• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• 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.

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.

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.

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.