Strategic Account Manager

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water service provider in the UK is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to enhance relationships with key customers. This hybrid position based in Reading requires proven stakeholder engagement experience, excellent communication, and strong organisational skills. The role involves managing projects, driving service improvements, and developing strategies for performance sustainability. A competitive salary of £50,000 – £60,000, generous leave, and benefits are offered for the right candidate.

Benefits

26 days holiday increasing with service

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Performance-related pay plan

Qualifications

• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and account management.
• Strong organisational, planning, estimating, and financial forecasting skills.
• Confident communicator who can influence at the executive level.
• Full competence in company IT systems and Microsoft Office software.
• Adapts to change and supports future customer needs.
• Industry knowledge in the water sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Key point of contact for developer and NAV customers.
• Build and maintain networks across teams to meet objectives.
• Manage escalations, risks, and complaints effectively.
• Develop strategies for continuous performance improvements.
• Influence positive outcomes within Developer Services.
• Foster a culture of innovation and safety.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Account management

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Financial forecasting

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Graduate or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office software

Job description

What you’ll be doing as a Strategic Account Manager

You’ll be the key point of contact for our large developer, SLP and NAV customers, building strong relationships, resolving issues, and driving service improvements. By understanding their journeys and challenges, you’ll provide valuable insight to shape growth and strengthen our business.

• Build and maintain strong networks across multiple teams and stakeholders, ensuring shared objectives are met while supporting individual goals and driving smooth project delivery.
• Maintain a clear customer focus, meeting service level agreements and statutory timeframes while proactively managing escalations, risks, and complaints to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Develop and implement effective strategies that drive continuous performance improvements, ensuring both immediate success and long-term sustainability of the project.
• Provide leadership and expert guidance within Developer Services, influencing positive outcomes and contributing directly to the success of DMEX performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation and safety, creating an environment where new ideas are encouraged while ensuring a proactive approach to Health and Safety.
• Engage with strategic stakeholders, both internal and external, to build alignment, strengthen collaboration, and identify opportunities that deliver significant commercial and operational benefits.

Base Location: Hybrid – Based in Reading.

Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement, account management, analysis, and problem‑solving, with the ability to lead and develop teams.
• Strong organisational, planning, estimating, and financial forecasting skills, with a solid understanding of business funding and regulatory mechanisms.
• Confident communicator, able to operate effectively at all levels — from hands‑on delivery to influencing at the Executive level.
• Graduate or equivalent experience, with full competence in company IT systems and Microsoft Office software.
• Forward‑thinking and adaptable, anticipating change and supporting initiatives to meet future customer needs.
• Industry knowledge an advantage — experience in the water sector or housebuilding industry is highly desirable.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering an annual salary of £50,000 – £60,000 depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Learn more about our purpose and values

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.