Operations Transformation Programme Manager

Portsmouth Water; Havant; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Generous pension up to 15%

Performance bonus up to 6%

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance 4x salary

Wellbeing & Employee Assistance

Private Medical Insurance – Bupa

PW Perks: EV & Cycle to Work

Job summary

Portsmouth Water is seeking an Operations Transformation Programme Manager to join our newly formed Operational Services department on a 3-year fixed-term contract. You will lead strategic transformation programmes across the Operations Directorate, driving operational excellence, digital innovation and continuous improvement.

You will manage complex multi-workstream programmes, engage senior stakeholders, and ensure alignment with regulatory obligations and safety standards, delivering lasting

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading transformation, programme delivery or operational improvement within operational, engineering, utility, infrastructure or regulated environments.
• Proven experience delivering complex, multi-workstream programmes with senior stakeholder management, governance, benefits tracking, risk/dependency management, resource planning and change adoption.

Responsibilities

• Deliver transformation programmes to time, cost and quality.
• Effectively manage programme risks and dependencies.
• Develop and deliver the Operations Transformation Roadmap.
• Lead complex change and improvement programmes.
• Establish programme governance, reporting and benefits tracking.
• Drive process optimisation, standardisation and automation.
• Support adoption of digital and data-led solutions; engage stakeholders.

Skills

Degree-level qualification

Governance, assurance & risk

Transformation programme delivery

Senior stakeholder management

Governance & benefits tracking

Safety & compliance

Customer-focused outcomes

UK driving licence

Security clearance (SC)

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Transformation Programme Manager to join our newly formed Operational Services department, on a 3-year fixed term contract, to support our Operations Transformation project. You will lead strategic transformation programmes across our Operations Directorate, driving operational excellence, efficiency, resilience, digital innovation and continuous improvement, while ensuring alignment with business priorities, regulatory obligations and operational readiness. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence strategic change, shape the future of our operations, and deliver lasting business impact.

What will you be doing?

• Delivery of transformation programmes (including the establishment of an alarm management centre) to time, cost and quality
• Effective management of programme risks and dependencies
• Develop and deliver the Operations Transformation Roadmap
• Lead complex change and improvement programmes
• Establish programme governance, reporting and benefits tracking
• Drive process optimisation, standardisation and automation
• Support adoption of digital and data‑led solutions
• Engage stakeholders and lead change management activities

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Essential

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience
• Solid understanding of governance, assurance and risk management principles
• Significant experience leading transformation, programme delivery or operational improvement within operational, engineering, utility, infrastructure or regulated environments
• Proven experience of delivering complex, multi‑workstream programmes involving process, technology, people and organisational change. Experience should include senior stakeholder management, programme governance, benefits tracking, risk and dependency management, resource planning, implementation readiness, business change adoption and measurable performance improvement.
• A commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence
• A customer‑focused and outcome‑driven approach
• Must hold a full UK driving licence
• Must hold or be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance

Desirable

• Recognised programme, project or change qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, APM, Prosci / ADKAR or equivalent
• Experience of digital, data‑led, automation, control‑room, alarm‑management, process‑improvement or operational resilience initiatives
• Knowledge of regulated utility environments, water operations, asset management, health and safety, environmental obligations, business continuity or critical national infrastructure

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre‑employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

Holidays Made Better

Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You

We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off

You could earn a non‑contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First

Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Social Events

All expenses covered summer and winter social events.

Peace of Mind, Always

Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

Additional Support When You Need It

We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance – provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.

PW Perks – Treat Yourself!

Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan …and so much more!