Technical Strategy Lead - Network

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK utility company is seeking a Technical Strategy Lead for the water network. This role requires strategic development to formulate long-term blueprints for water delivery. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of water network assets and engage with stakeholders to implement effective strategies. Competitive salary and excellent benefits included.

Benefits

Competitive salary from £62,215 to £70,000

26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service

Car allowance

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Keen interest in long-term objectives of government and stakeholders.
• Proven skills in delivering complex work plans on time.
• Proven ability to influence internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of network strategies for the water system.
• Provide a long-term blueprint for the network meeting customer needs.
• Develop stakeholder base to understand risks and opportunities.

Skills

Strategic understanding of water network assets

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication

Team player

Education

Degree in relevant field or substantial equivalent experience

Tools

MS Applications

Job description

Overview

In this role, you will help to shape the future capability of our business by leading the development of our longer-term water network strategy. Your focus will be on the development of a long-term blueprint plan for the water network, aiming to influence government and regulatory objectives, and drive innovation to improve the cost-effective delivery of our service. The role seeks to achieve improved resilience to bursts, reduce supply interruptions and leakage, and provide the safe and reliable service our customers expect.

Base location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours, Monday–Friday

What you’ll be doing as a Technical Strategy Lead - Network

You will act as a lead for the water network (trunk and distribution mains) long-term technical strategy to provide long-term delivery plans, focusing on development over at least the next 25 years.

Responsibilities

• Technical development of network strategies (trunk mains and distribution mains) and deliverable long-term plans for water networks that form part of the water system strategy.
• Provide a blueprint for our network into the 2050s that meets our customers’ needs and provides a safe, cost-effective and commercially deliverable programme that achieves our performance goals.
• Develop and maintain a strong stakeholder base across water companies, regulators, etc, to influence and understand risks and opportunities.
• Lead on the development and use of decision support tools to provide technical long-term rehabilitation plans that balance multiple performance criteria, risk and cost to meet the business need.
• Work closely with the operations, innovation, engineering team and others to understand their needs, areas of development and their ability to provide opportunities within the system strategies.
• As a part of the long-term plan, work with asset planning and water resources teams to develop the water network strategy business case for PR29 that meets business and regulatory requirements.
• Understand the long-term objectives of our government, customers, key stakeholders, and regulators and influence and embed them into our work. Influence the same to ensure the long-term plan, scope and costs is understood and accepted.

What you should bring to the role

The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:

• A keen interest in long-term objectives of government, our customers, and stakeholders.
• Proven strategic and technical understanding of water network assets.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Proven skills in technical writing.
• Proven completer-finisher, with an ability to deliver complex work plans, achieving quality outputs on time and on budget.
• Proven ability to communicate complex subjects and influence internal and external audiences.
• Numerate and proficient in the use of MS Applications.
• Excellent team player

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team

• Ideally, degree qualified or significant experience in similar roles.
• Professional membership of an engineering, environmental or asset management organisation is an advantage.
• Awareness of the regulatory water industry process

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £62,215 to £70,000 per annum depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• Access to benefits for health and wellbeing and finances – including annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

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. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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. 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.