Head of Operational Products

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

Job summary

A leading utility provider in Reading is seeking a Head of Operational Products to lead product ownership and ensure operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in regulated industries, strong strategic thinking, and expertise in financial management. This senior role offers a hybrid working environment, competitive salary ranging from £80,000 to £100,000, and extensive benefits including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave

Private medical healthcare

Generous pension scheme

Car allowance

Qualifications

• Senior leadership background within utilities, energy, or regulated industries.
• Degree-level education or equivalent, ideally with project management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for strategy and vision for operational Product platforms.
• Lead continuous improvement approach across AOCD.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and deliver business plans.

Skills

Senior leadership

Operational management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial accountability

Strategic thinking

Change leadership

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Tools

Project management methodologies

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

• 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 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

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 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.