Programme Manager Operations

Wave Utilities; North East; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider based in the UK is seeking a Programme Manager Operations who will oversee strategic delivery and lead complex programmes in the fast-evolving water industry. This role focuses on collaboration, budget management, and maximizing value for customers. The ideal candidate should have strong project management skills, particularly in agile methodologies, and exemplary communication abilities. The company offers a competitive salary alongside a range of employee benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

Bonus potential

Perkbox membership

Income protection scheme

4x salary life assurance

Free onsite parking

24 days holiday rising to 26

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience managing complex programmes and projects from start to finish.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Confident using project management tools with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all workstreams managing timelines, risks, budgets, and stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure internal teams and external partners work together effectively.
• Contribute to other key initiatives across operations to align with business strategy.

Skills

Project Leadership

Communication Skills

Digital Proficiency

Change Management

Tools

MS Office

Jira

Job description

Programme Manager Operations (37 hours per week Permanent)

Location: Contractual base in Salvus House Durham / Pearl House Peterborough with hybrid working opportunities

Salary: plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 8% of annual salary

Job Level: C

Reporting to: Director of Operations

We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

About Us

Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We're dedicated to helping businesses lower water use be more water efficient and reduce costs all which helped us earn all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021 reclaim the title in 2023. Most recently we celebrated the win again in 2025 where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do making a positive difference to the environment and society.

The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We're committed to a happy healthy place to work and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you'd be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You'll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.

What’s in it for you

Wealth

• Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
• Bonus potential
• Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers supermarkets and restaurants) discounted cinema tickets travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
• Income protection scheme
• Personal accident insurance
• 4x salary life assurance
• Free onsite parking

Time off

• 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
• A day off for your birthday
• Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
• The option to buy holidays
• 1 day paid volunteering

Wellbeing

• Hybrid / Flexible working
• Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Annual conference and Christmas party
• 24 / 7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Free flu shots

Family Friendly

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
• We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family

The Role in a Nutshell

This is a senior role driving Waves operational strategic delivery plan and the wider smart programme in the water industry which is undergoing major transformation with smart meter deployment. The Programme Manager will :

• Lead complex programmes: Oversee all workstreams managing timelines risks budgets and stakeholder requirements to deliver maximum value and customer satisfaction.
• Enable collaboration: Ensure internal teams and external partners work together effectively maintaining compliance and risk management.
• Support strategic projects: Contribute to other key initiatives across operations to align with business strategy and budget.
• Bring expertise: Proven experience in leading large cross-functional change programmes strong agile methodology knowledge and excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Desirable: Utility sector experience and familiarity with programme management tools and methodologies.

In short its about turning strategic vision into actionable steps driving change and ensuring successful delivery in an evolving industry.

What will your typical day look like

You'll be working directly with your colleagues and the Operations Director as well as other teams across Wave and external parties. Monitoring delivery of key actions and milestones aligning communications across teams as well as taking in new information and developments to adapt and flex the approach to deliver for our customers and stakeholders.

Having support and strategic guidance from the Operations Director and Wave Leadership teams whilst being empowered to manage time workstreams risks and technical development. Investigating existing issues gaps root causes and gaining cross business insight for potential solutions and fixes.

What do we need from you

Skills / Experience

• Proven Project Leadership Hands‑on experience managing complex programmes and projects from start to finish with strong knowledge of agile methodologies.
• Excellent Communication Skills Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels supported by clear written and verbal communication.
• Digitally Proficient & Organised Confident using MS Office and project management tools (e.g. Jira) with strong analytical skills and a focus on time cost and benefit tracking.
• Change Management Expertise Skilled at driving large-scale change initiatives supporting teams through transition and embedding new processes effectively.

Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.

Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people we would love to hear from you.

Be Yourself Our Differences Make Us Stronger

Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause neurodiversity or any other reason please do let us know by contacting .

Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.

Closing date: 4pm on 18th January 2026

Interviews are planned for 2nd February 2026

Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Requested Experience: Manager

Key Skills

Project Management Methodology, Project / Program Management, Program Management, Management Experience, Microsoft Powerpoint, Project Management, Microsoft Project, Budgeting, DoD Experience, Leadership Experience, Supervising Experience, Contracts

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department / Functional Area: Operations

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: 65000 - 75000