Programme and Commercial Director - Water Industry

RPS Group; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Programme and Commercial Director in the water industry to manage programme delivery and profitability. This role requires strong client relationships and expertise in project leadership within the water sector. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing large scale programs and exemplary leadership skills. Join us to contribute to innovative water projects and make a meaningful impact in communities.

Benefits

Personal development plan

Clear career pathways

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in the water/wastewater sector in a Project or Programme leadership role.
• Ability to mentor teams and foster collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Leading and collaborating with Regional Programme Managers.
• Working with Project Managers to meet profitability targets.
• Consolidating and coordinating delivery programmes.
• Identifying and mitigating risks and opportunities.

Skills

Proven experience in water project delivery

Strong commercial acumen for profitable programme delivery

Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills

Skilled in negotiation

Job description

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Programme and Commercial Director - Water Industry, Warrington

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Client:

RPS Group

Location:

Warrington, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

b09b2b5b261e

Job Views:

37

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Programme and Commercial Director - Water Industry

RPS has an opportunity for a Programme and Commercial Director supporting delivery of our role as United Utilities Strategic Solutions Partner in delivering their Better Rivers Programme. The Director will be responsible for building strong client relationships in the Northwest of England, requiring travel and working from client offices in Lingley Mere (Warrington) twice weekly.

This role suits those with experience in the water/wastewater sector in a Project or Programme leadership role with strong commercial management at programme level.

This is a unique opportunity for a candidate with a successful track record in leading large water sector programmes. As a key member of a dynamic framework leadership team, you will work directly alongside our Framework Director and Regional Programme Managers to deliver wastewater projects within challenging timescales and budgets.

About The Team:

RPS Water Consulting comprises Engineers, Modellers, and Data Analysts providing Asset Management and Operational Strategy development to water industry clients. We support business planning and delivery in an industry that demands innovation, dedication, and teamwork.

We work with several major water companies across the UK, with a broad portfolio of long-term framework agreements, including significant AMP8 programmes leading into AMP9 and beyond, offering long-term career growth.

About You:

You will be a key member of our Water Consultancy, playing a critical role in delivering projects for our Water Industry clients. Working with a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute your expertise to capital delivery projects, making a meaningful impact on communities and leaving a lasting legacy.

Your Responsibilities:

The Director, working with the Framework Director, is responsible for overall programme delivery and profitability. Key duties include:

• Leading and collaborating with Regional Programme Managers.
• Working with Project Managers to meet profitability targets.
• Consolidating and coordinating delivery programmes.
• Resource planning and management.
• Reviewing and approving call-off contract proposals.
• Identifying and mitigating risks and opportunities.
• Reporting to the framework board, clients, and stakeholders.
• Building high-performing teams.
• Driving efficiency and optimisation.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

The candidate should be pragmatic, collaborative, and experienced in delivering major water sector projects and programmes. Essential qualities include:

• Proven experience in water project delivery.
• Development and execution of commercial strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen for profitable programme delivery.
• Ability to mentor teams and foster collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Skilled in negotiation.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a personal development plan, clear career pathways, and a supportive environment that values diversity, innovation, and well-being. Join us to make a real difference in the water industry, with flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

RPS, A Tetra Tech company:

As part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, RPS benefits from a global network of over 28,000 employees providing leading consulting and engineering services worldwide. We are committed to offering our people exceptional opportunities to solve complex problems and advance their careers.

Join our team and help shape the future of water!

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Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.