This is an exciting new opportunity for a Head of Regulatory Programme Delivery to lead the successful delivery of complex regulatory programmes across Thames Water, bringing together strong governance, seamless cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined execution to meet key commitments to regulators including Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. This is a pivotal role in shaping programme management excellence, strengthening organisational performance, and driving successful outcomes across AMP cycles.
What you will be doing as Head of Regulatory Programme Delivery
- Programme Leadership: Own the delivery of strategic regulatory programmes (e.g., PR29, AMP8), ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met.
- Governance & Controls: Establish and maintain programme governance frameworks, risk registers, delivery dashboards, and stage-gate reviews.
- Integrated Planning: Align programme plans with asset management, capital delivery, and operational teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, delivery partners, and executive sponsors.
- Performance & Reporting: Monitor programme KPIs, milestones, and risks; produce executive-level reports and regulatory submissions.
- Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing programme delivery team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Change & Benefits Realisation: Ensure programmes deliver intended outcomes and benefits, with clear tracking and post-implementation review.
Location - Hybrid, Reading
What you should bring to the role?
Essential Requirements
- Extensive experience in programme management within regulated infrastructure sectors (water, energy, transport).
- Strong understanding of UK water industry regulation and AMP cycles.
- Proven track record of delivering large-scale, multi-disciplinary programmes.
- Expertise in programme governance, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
- Professional qualification (e.g., MSP, PMP, APM) highly desirable.
- Degree in engineering, environmental science, business, or related field.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience with PR24 (or other price review) planning and delivery.
- Familiarity with digital programme tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project, Power BI).
- Strategic thinker with a delivery mindset and resilience under pressure.
What's in it for you?
This is an exciting time to join Thames Water as we continue to deliver on our turnaround plan, offering the opportunity to become part of our strategic journey.
- Competitive salary of £95,000 - £120,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
- Car Allowance - £5,800.
- Annual Bonus.
- Private Medical Health Care.
- Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
- Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
- 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 (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)
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 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. Why choose us? Learn more.
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.
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.
