Water Supply Infrastructure Engagement Lead

We have an opportunity for a Water Supply Infrastructure Engagement Lead to join our RAPID Team within RAPID & Environmental Planning Directorate.

The water sector is entering a new chapter. Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction – one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.

Ofwat will be working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

You can find out more about why you should join Ofwat, our strategy, values and our framework for success in the attached Information for Candidates Pack.

The Water Supply Infrastructure Engagement Lead role has an important and valuable contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments. Following Ofwat’s final determination for the Price Review 2024, we are embarking on an ambitious journey with a significant programme of 28 Strategic Resource Options (SROs).

You will join our RAPID team at Senior Associate level, acting as the main point of contact for a group of Strategic Resource Options (SROs) in the RAPID programme.

As the lead on a subset of water supply infrastructure projects in our programme, you will focus on ensuring their smooth and efficient delivery. You will engage with a wide range of stakeholders including government bodies, regulators, and water companies, as well as other relevant sectors and interested parties. You will also have a role in shaping the gated process and you will lead the gate assessment of your portfolio of SROs. You will play a vital role in the successful delivery of new supply infrastructure which is essential to improving the resilience of water supplies and reducing unsustainable abstraction from the environment.

As a senior associate, you will operate with substantial autonomy and be expected to plan and progress your work independently. Alongside this, you will have supervision from senior colleagues, and you will work within a network of experienced engagement leads and subject matter experts available to support you and help shape your development. Your work will also be supported by a specialised project management office to equip you with the tools you need to focus on adding value and achieving results.

This is an exciting time to join an experienced team with established processes and methods, as well as a continuous improvement mindset. This role offers varied and interesting work, an opportunity to make a difference for the environment and customers, and a focus on your development and growth in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us to help in shaping the future of water regulation.