Programme Manager - Operations

The Wave; North East; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the UK seeks a Programme Manager to oversee operational strategic delivery in the water industry. The ideal candidate will manage complex programmes, ensuring effective collaboration with teams and external partners. Responsibilities include leading projects, contributing to key initiatives, and driving change initiatives with a background in agile methodologies. With a robust benefits package, this role promises to be rewarding for someone committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

Bonus potential

Perkbox membership

Healthcare cashback scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience managing complex programmes from start to finish.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient with project management tools and strong analytical skills.
• Skilled in driving large-scale change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex programmes, managing timelines, risks, and budgets.
• Ensure effective collaboration among internal teams and external partners.
• Contribute to key initiatives aligned with business strategy.
• Investigate issues, gaps, and root causes for potential solutions.

Skills

Project Leadership

Communication Skills

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Risk Management

Digitally Proficient

Tools

MS Office

Jira

Job description

Overview

This is a senior role driving Wave's 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.

Typical Day

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? You will 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.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Agile methodology knowledge and experience with programme delivery tools.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Digitally proficient with proficiency in MS Office and project tools.
• Experience in the utility sector is desirable.

Benefits & Culture

• Excellent pension scheme – employers match up to 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave.
• Bonus potential.
• Perkbox membership – a vast range of perks: high street savings, discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes.
• Income protection scheme.
• Personal accident insurance.
• 4× salary life assurance.
• Free onsite parking.
• 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays).
• A day off for your birthday.
• Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• The option to buy holidays.
• 1 day paid volunteering.
• 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.
• 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.

Company Culture

Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 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 of which helped us earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023 and celebrate again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value, sustainability and superior 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 is unique – we’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, with continuous learning and development, and support for personal wellbeing. Over 300 people work flexibly across two UK offices. We expect great things from you and give great things back.

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 that cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.