Water Demand Strategy Lead

South Staffs Water; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in the UK is seeking a Water Demand Strategy Lead to shape a plan aimed at reducing water consumption across household and non-household sectors. The successful candidate will develop a five-year strategy, lead stakeholder engagement, and leverage smart data to foster meaningful change in water sustainability. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits including generous holiday and pension contributions.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension with employer contributions

24-hour helpline for confidential advice

Eyecare vouchers via Specsavers

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

24/7 remote GP access

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in water demand reduction or related roles.
• Proven track record in end-to-end project development and delivery.
• Understanding of WRMPs and regulatory commitments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a strategic plan to reduce water consumption.
• Align strategy with Water Resource Management Plans.
• Lead benefit measurement and reporting for stakeholders.

Skills

Project management skills

Stakeholder engagement

Water demand reduction experience

Data-driven strategy development

Budget oversight

Job description

Job Title: Water Demand Strategy Lead
Salary: To £48,000 depending on experience
Location: Walsall/ Cambridge
Travel: Required across both regions
Closing date: 1 December 2025

South Staffs Water is seeking a visionary Water Demand Strategy Lead to shape and deliver our long‑term plan to reduce water consumption across both household and non‑household sectors. With 2025 marking the driest spring on record and droughts declared in multiple regions, this role is more critical than ever in helping us meet our environmental and regulatory commitments. This is a unique opportunity to lead strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, building on our award‑winning campaigns and driving forward our ambition for sustainable water use.

The Role

As Water Demand Strategy Lead, you'll be responsible for developing and executing our five‑year strategy to reduce water demand. You'll work across teams and regions, aligning with our Universal Metering programme, leveraging smart meter data, and collaborating with retailers, customers, and industry partners to deliver meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a strategic plan to reduce household and non‑household water consumption through 2030
• Align strategy with Water Resource Management Plans and our Business Plan commitments
• Lead benefit measurement and reporting for internal stakeholders and regulators (e.g., Environment Agency, Ofwat)
• Collaborate with the Universal Metering team to maximise programme benefits and ensure strategic alignment
• Analyse smart meter data to inform water efficiency initiatives and demand forecasting
• Continuously review and adapt programmes to ensure value and effectiveness
• Build strong relationships with retailers, customers, and regional stakeholders to support delivery
• Identify and integrate best practices and innovations from across the industry
• Manage external consultants and suppliers as needed
• Represent South Staffs Water at industry forums and workshops
• Uphold Health & Safety standards and company values: Professional, Trusted, Impactful, Community Focused

What You'll Need

• 5+ years' experience in water demand reduction or related roles
• Proven track record in end‑to‑end project development and delivery
• Strong project management skills, including budget oversight
• Understanding of WRMPs and regulatory commitments (preferred)
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Ability to work independently and drive strategic initiatives
• Full UK driving licence (due to travel across regions)
• Experience in water efficiency programmes (preferred)
• Familiarity with smart metering and data‑driven strategy development

What You'll Get in Return

• A competitive salary plus benefits.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Company pension with employer contributions.
• 24-hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters.
• Eyecare vouchers - via Specsavers.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• 24/7 remote GP access.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a high-impact strategy in a critical environmental domain
• Collaborate with passionate teams and industry leaders
• Drive innovation in water sustainability and customer engagement
• Be part of a company that values integrity, community, and continuous improvement