Principal Water Supply Technical Specialist

UK Regulators' Network; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ofwat is the regulator of the water sector in England and Wales, with a presence in London and Birmingham. We are seeking a Principal Water Supply Technical Specialist to lead analysis, governance, and costing activities within the Water Supply team, collaborating with key agencies and stakeholders.

You will direct analyses, coordinate schemes, and contribute to price reviews, shaping outcomes from source to tap while maintaining robust evidence and cost-conscious delivery.

Responsibilities

• Directing the analysis of Company Delivery Plans, Price Control Deliverables (PCDs) and Annual Performance Review (APR) data to oversee performance.
• Coordinating with water companies through the large scheme process to capture risks and support timely delivery within budget.
• Reviewing information in cost change processes and ensuring robust evidence for decisions.
• Directing the development of benchmarking models and governing their population.
• Contributing to the next price review framework and addressing costing options for water quality, resilience and security.

Job description

Ofwat

We regulate the water sector in England and Wales, https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/jobs/make-a-splash/

Requirements of the role

We are seeking a Principal Water Supply Technical Specialist to join our Water Quality, Resilience and Security sub-team, part of the Water Supply team within the RAPID and Environmental Planning Directorate. The team works closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Defra, Environment Agency (EA), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on water supply issues from source to tap, while also collaborating with colleagues from the Price Review Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in engineering, water or environmental science, or operational/asset management, looking to work within a regulatory environment.

You will have the opportunity to work across several key areas, which may include:

• Directing the analysis of Company Delivery Plans, Price Control Deliverables (PCDs) and Annual Performance Review (APR) data to provide effective oversight of company performance.
• Ensuring the team liaise effectively with water companies through the large scheme process, to capture uncertainty, risks and support the cost-effective delivery of schemes to time and budget.
• Reviewing information submitted as part of the cost change process and assessments completed on behalf of the team, ensuring consistency, accuracy and the robustness of evidence case and resulting decisions.
• Directing the development of benchmarking models and taking ownership of their population and associated governance, as required.
• Inputting into the development of the next price review framework and answering ad-hoc queries on the costing of different options relating to water quality and treatment, resilience and/or security.

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Location

London, Birmingham

Contract type

Fixed term, Full time, Job share, Loan, Part time, Secondment

Profession

Analysis, Engineering, Environment, Planning, Policy, Regulation, Scientist, Sustainability, Technology

Working pattern

Flexible working, Hybrid

Closing Date

04/10/2026