Senior Permitting Specialist

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Permitting Specialist to join their team, focusing on environmental permitting and regulatory support. This part-time role involves negotiating permits, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and leading technical projects. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and experience in wastewater permitting. With a commitment to sustainability and diverse opportunities, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact in protecting water resources for future generations. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to career growth and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific or environmental discipline is essential.
• Expertise in negotiating permits with the Environment Agency.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with environmental permit conditions.
• Negotiate permits with the Environment Agency.
• Lead on permitting and water discharge issues.

Skills

Negotiating water discharge permits

Environmental regulations knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

IT proficiency (MS Office, SharePoint)

Education

Degree in scientific or environmental discipline

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Job description

Job Title: Senior Permitting Specialist (Ref 40842)

Division: Asset Operations & Capital Delivery

Location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB

Contract Type: Fixed term/Secondment

Full/Part-time: Part-time

Salary: Competitive salary from £43,120 to £52,000 per annum depending on experience

Job Grade: B

Closing Date: 15/05/2025

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Permitting Specialist to join the Permitting & Regulatory Support Team, experts in environmental permitting and regulation. The team ensures the company holds all necessary Environmental Permits for statutory functions, offers technical permitting advice, and collaborates with the Environment Agency on permitting matters.

This key technical role involves contributing to WINEP and permitting compliance, leading technical projects, and driving continuous improvement within the team.

Candidate Profile

This position suits an experienced Wastewater Environmental Permitting expert with enthusiasm and leadership abilities to develop the team’s technical expertise.

Working Pattern

Part-time, two days a week, with flexible hours across days.

Responsibilities

1. Support compliance with environmental permit conditions and assist teams in understanding permit requirements.
2. Provide interpretation of regulatory requirements to facilitate business planning.
3. Negotiate permits with the Environment Agency, protecting company interests and minimizing costs.
4. Lead on permitting and water discharge issues, offering coaching and mentorship.
5. Represent Thames Water in technical meetings with stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree or equivalent in a scientific or environmental discipline.
• Experience negotiating water discharge permits with the Environment Agency.
• Subject matter expertise in Water Discharge Permitting, ideally river quality modelling.
• Understanding of Water Industry regulations, including Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with strong organization and prioritization skills.
• Knowledge of wastewater and water treatment processes (beneficial).
• IT proficiency, especially in MS Office and SharePoint.

Benefits

Engage with key stakeholders, gain diverse experience, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including physiotherapy, counselling, and more

About Thames Water

As the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, we serve over 16 million customers. We are committed to building a sustainable future, offering career growth, flexible working, and inclusive opportunities.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and support diversity and inclusion. Join us to make a difference and help protect water resources for future generations.

Note: Due to high application volumes, the advert may close early. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.