Water Operations Lead (National)

National Gas; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is seeking a Water Operations Lead to shape growth in the water sector. The role involves developing new service offerings, managing a high-performing team, and building relationships with industry stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, experience in regulated industries, and a passion for driving innovative solutions.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual performance bonus

Double-match pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible benefit scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to assess new sectors and identify commercial opportunities.
• Experience managing complex projects from concept to execution.
• Strong background in the water sector or similar regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new services in the water sector.
• Build and manage a high-performing team.
• Drive contract management and commercial negotiations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project management

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Education

Degree in engineering or similar discipline

Job description

Water Operations Lead

£62,000 to £72,000 plus up to 15% bonus and company car

National – Ambergate, Birmingham, Cardiff, Hitchin, Glasgow, Warrington

This is a national role that can be based at any of the following sites: Ambergate, Birmingham, Cardiff, Hitchin, Glasgow, or Warrington. You'll need to visit the NGS head office in Ambergate once a week, as well as regular travel to your base site and other NGS locations as required.

About us

National Gas is securing Britain's energy. We transport gas throughout Great Britain, repair and maintain gas pipelines, and manage the meters that allow millions of homes and businesses to access the energy they need. We are the national gas network, providing secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain our industrial competitiveness.

About the role

This role plays a key part of shaping a potential new growth area for National Gas Services (NGS) within the water sector. You'll assess the viability, scope, and commercial potential of delivering services in this important and evolving market.

You’ll play a key role in identifying opportunities for NGS to grow its presence in the water sector by spotting service gaps and market needs that align with our strategic direction. You'll also help shape service ideas and support efforts to position NGS as a capable and credible provider in this space, while fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and define the scope, scale, and potential of delivering services within the water sector – mapping the landscape, identifying key players, and evaluating where NGS can add value.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture and driving performance.
• Seek out opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Develop a deep understanding of the water ecosystem – establish, nurture, and grow relationships with external stakeholders including water utilities, regulators, industry bodies, and strategic partners.
• Gather and analyse market intelligence to shape a compelling and commercially viable service offering.
• Provide focused contract management expertise to secure and deliver unlicensed work in the water sector.
• Drive commercial value through effective contract negotiation, execution, and relationship management.
• Ensure all contracts and associated workstreams are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow NGS’s unlicensed revenue streams in the water sector.
• Act as an ambassador for NGS, showcasing our capabilities and identifying additional market opportunities.
• Work collaboratively across functions and with leadership to contribute to a high-performing team culture.
• Communicate with impact – influencing stakeholders, presenting findings, and supporting strategic decision-making.

About you

You'll be a strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and a passion for exploring new markets. You'll be someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, builds strong relationships, and brings people together to deliver results. You'll be confident navigating ambiguity, leading initiatives, and influencing stakeholders at all levels. Your communication skills will help you tailor messages for different audiences and drive alignment across teams.

Key requirements & experience

• Proven ability to assess new sectors, map ecosystems, and identify commercial opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills to turn market intelligence into actionable insights.
• Proven experience managing complex projects and strategic initiatives from concept through to execution, delivering outcomes on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on sustainable growth and compliance.
• Experience managing complex projects to time, cost, and quality.
• Track record of identifying and growing new revenue streams, particularly in unlicensed or emerging markets.
• Prior experience in, or exposure to, the water sector or similar regulated industries (e.g., utilities, infrastructure, energy).
• Demonstrated success in launching or scaling new services or business units.
• Understanding of compliance, governance, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the water sector.
• Degree level (or equivalent) in an engineering or similar discipline – desirable.
• Full UK car driving licence.

Security clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Double-match pension scheme (max. company contribution 12%).
• Generous holiday allowance (28 days + bank holidays).
• Flexible benefit scheme, incl. private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans, and more.
• Financial protection with 10x salary death in service and financial support if you’re unable to work due to long-term illness or injury.
• Excellent family friendly provisions such as maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.
• Professional development opportunities incl. financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions.
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24/7.
• Inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking workplace.

Inclusive recruitment

At National Gas, we are disability confident, and we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve. We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you need to perform your best.