strategic-thinking System Planning Lead

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Orpington; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in Orpington seeks a strategic leader to guide dynamic in-AMP Asset Plans and Capital Maintenance initiatives. The ideal candidate has robust management experience, a solid grasp of asset management, and exceptional communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing strategic planning, driving cultural change, and nurturing a proactive approach to asset risk. Competitive salary up to £75,000, flexible working, and a generous benefits package offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary from £62,215 to £75,000

26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service

Car Allowance

Annual Bonus

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Performance-related pay plan

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience to inspire teams.
• Solid understanding of engineering best practices.
• Exceptional communication to influence stakeholders.
• Ability to drive solutions for improvement.
• Good understanding of water management regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of in-AMP Asset Plans.
• Oversee Capital Maintenance interventions planning.
• Maintain understanding of asset risk positions.
• Drive long-term planning for future price reviews.
• Influence strategic investment and cultural transformation.

Skills

Leadership and management

Asset management

Exceptional communication

Problem-solving

Understanding of regulatory frameworks

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

In this influential role, you will lead a team to develop dynamic, system‑wide in‑AMP Asset Plans and Capital Maintenance plans. You will champion the in‑AMP work required to enable targeted investment prioritisation with Operations and wider stakeholders, ensuring decisions are driven by risk and outcome‑based thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic and in‑AMP Asset Plans at catchment, site, and system levels.
• Oversee the planning and justification of Capital Maintenance interventions and risk mitigation options to prioritise spend effectively.
• Ensure your team maintains a deep understanding of asset risk positions and supports mitigation strategies across the lifecycle, from identifying needs to supporting delivery and handover.
• Drive long‑term planning that underpins future price reviews by surfacing critical asset risks.
• Influence strategic investment and cultural transformation towards a proactive, lifecycle‑focused approach to asset planning.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management experience, with the ability to inspire teams and drive meaningful cultural change.
• Solid understanding of asset management, engineering, or related best practices.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to convey complex information and influence senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for improvement and proactively drive solutions.
• Good grasp of regulatory frameworks and external factors impacting water and wastewater management.

Extra Qualities

• Ideally, degree‑qualified or significant equivalent experience, with professional membership being an advantage.
• Driver's license and access to a car.

About Thames Water

At Thames Water, every decision we make helps to shape the future of water for over 16 million people. Supplying billions of litres daily, we are committed to delivering vital services while protecting our environment and communities. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Joining Thames Water means becoming part of a supportive, innovative team where your strategic vision makes a tangible difference. You'll play a vital role in creating sustainable water management strategies and enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Working at Thames Water

We offer a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work. Every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. 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.

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, and it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Benefits

• Competitive salary from £62,215 to £75,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Annual Bonus.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Access to a range of benefits to help you take care of your health, wellbeing, and finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Inclusive Workplace

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.

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.