Head of Operational Products

Thames Water; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK is seeking a Head of Operational Products to drive improvements and compliance across operations. This senior role requires extensive experience in utilities and project management skills. You will set the vision for operational products, manage budget responsibilities, and work with cross-functional teams. Offering a salary between £80,000 and £100,000, the role includes flexible working arrangements and a range of benefits.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Car Allowance

Performance-related pay

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in regulated industries highly desirable.
• Ability to balance day-to-day delivery and long-term improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk management and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver strategy for operational Product platforms.
• Lead continuous improvement for operational products.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and regulators.

Skills

Senior leadership background within utilities

Project management skills

Operational management experience

Strategic thinking

Continuous improvement expertise

Commercial acumen

Excellent stakeholder engagement

Resilient leadership style

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We're looking for a Head of Operational Products to join Thames Water's Scientific Operations, Insight & Product function. This senior interim role is central to driving continuous improvement, efficiency, and compliance across AOCD. As part of the SOIP Senior Leadership Team, you'll lead on product ownership across AOCD - ensuring our operations deliver the best outcomes for customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

What you'll be doing as a Head of Operational Products

• Accountable for setting and delivering the strategy and vision for operational Product platforms across AOCD (including finding the capability and organisation structure for AM8 and beyond)
• Accountable for the delivery of value and benefits associated with key operational products
• Lead continuous improvement approach for operational products across AOCD
• Responsible for TOTEX budget across SMART Water, Waste and WFM
• Work collaboratively across the SOIP team and stakeholders to develop and deliver the Company Business Plans
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and regulators, integrating systems and processes across AOCD, Retail and Product Teams, while representing SOIP internally and externally.

Base location: Clearwater Court, Reading (Hybrid). Travel required within London and the Thames Valley.

What you should bring to the role

• Senior leadership background within utilities, energy, or other regulated industries - highly desirable.
• Degree-level education (or equivalent), ideally with project management skills or qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP).
• Operational management experience, with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery and long-term improvement.
• Strong ability to think strategically and translate insights into operational plans that deliver measurable improvements.
• Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement, risk management, quality assurance, and change leadership.
• Commercial acumen with experience in budget ownership, financial accountability, and cost-efficiency programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to align complex, cross-functional teams.
• A collaborative, authentic leadership style, resilient under pressure and able to inspire through transformation.
• A full UK driving licence

What\'s in it for you?

• This role will be paid from £80,000 to £100,000 per annum depending on skills and experience
• Annual leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance
• Performance-related pay plan is directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• Access to benefits to support health, wellbeing and finances, including annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

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. We need passionate and skilled people committed to making a difference.

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.

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.