Operational Performance Principal

Ofwat; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions up to 29%

25 days annual leave (30 with service)

Hybrid working

Volunteer days

Discounts on goods and services

Gym membership

Job summary

Ofwat is recruiting for an Operational Performance Principal to lead analytical work, extract insights from data, and influence regulatory strategy. The role collaborates across directorates to monitor company performance and support the Turnaround Oversight regime.

A strong background in water sector regulation and stakeholder management is essential. The position offers hybrid working between London and Birmingham offices, with broad opportunities to shape policy and drive improvements for

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of how Ofwat monitors and measures company and sector performance to drive accountability.
• Ability to analyse performance data and extract actionable insights to influence policy and strategy.
• Experience leading projects and managing multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to deliver high-quality insights.

Responsibilities

• Identify areas where analysis and insight are needed and develop approaches to extract and apply those insights.
• Influence how we deliver strategic goals by communicating findings to peers and senior leaders.
• Support publication of the Water Company Performance Report (WCPR) and contribute to the Turnaround Oversight Regime evaluation.
• Lead and manage projects, including team coordination and workload planning under pressure.

Skills

Water sector knowledge

Data analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Job description

Join Ofwat’s Operational Performance and Data Strategy Team as an Operational Performance Principal

*Office Location: London (E14 4HD) or Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working*

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.

The water sector is entering a new chapter. The government has set out a bold new direction, bringing together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. We are collaborating with fellow regulators to respond to recommendations in The Independent Water Commission Report, the Welsh Government’s response to the Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales, and the Government’s White Paper, A new vision for water.

Ofwat is working with the government and other regulators to help create a new body for England, bringing together our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. We are also continuing to work with the Welsh Government to support decisions on the future arrangements for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

The Role

Working closely with colleagues within the Delivery Directorate and across Ofwat, you will identify areas where analysis and insight is needed, developing approaches to extract insights, understanding the application of that insight to the sector and communicating your findings; influencing how we deliver our strategic goals. You will play an important role in delivering our strategy and will need to be able to respond flexibly to the needs across the organisation.

A key aspect of the team's work is the publication of our annual Water Company Performance Report (WCPR). This role will interact with, and influence the WCPR, through the performance insight the team generates and evaluates. The team is also a key part in the implementation of our Turnaround Oversight Regime (PR24 final determinations) and how we monitor and hold companies to account for poor performance.

Water sector expertise is required for this position. However, we will consider applications from a wide variety of backgrounds, including operations, asset management, engineering, scientific, technical, regulation, economics etc.

Additionally, the role also requires a high level of analytical competency; problem solving skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; well-developed people and stakeholder management skills and a track record of delivering against challenging deadlines. You will also be expected, when required, to manage and lead the work of consultants and perform the role of intelligent client to ensure maximum value is derived from any external support.

Ofwat is an agile working environment, so you can expect opportunities to support other directorates and to move around the organisation as work priorities shift.

About You

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:

• Lead Criterion: Excellent knowledge of the water sector, including a detailed understanding of how Ofwat monitors and measures company and sector performance in order to hold companies to account.
• Lead Criterion: Relevant water sector experience including a background in one of the following areas: operations, asset management, engineering, scientific, technical, regulation, economics etc.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including an ability to use performance information and analysis to appraise the quality of improvement plans, make recommendations and to apply challenge where necessary.
• Experience of using data, both quantitative and qualitative, to draw out key actionable insights and present conclusions to influence thinking and policy. This will include an ability to present robust analysis with options and recommendations to peers and senior leaders.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (including with external organisations) to deliver high-quality insights.
• Ability to effectively lead, plan and manage projects under challenging circumstances. This includes the ability to manage and take responsibility for your own workloads, lead others, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences.

Why You Should Join Us

• People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture build on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
• Excellent employer pension contributions of up to 29%.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.