Lead the Future of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Programme Technical Manager (Currently, two vacancies are being recruited for in this team)
We are seeking a senior technical leader with the strategic vision, credibility, and authority to shape one of the most significant water or wastewater treatment infrastructure programmes in the UK — valued between £500m and £1bn.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of our capital delivery transformation. You will lead technical strategy, build high‑performing teams, and ensure that large‑scale, multi‑year infrastructure programmes are delivered safely, sustainably and efficiently. Your leadership will directly influence how we modernise critical national assets and deliver long‑term resilience for the communities we serve.
If you are driven by complex programme delivery, value‑led decision‑making, and leading organisations through change, this role offers the scope, scale, and impact you’re looking for.
What you’ll be doing as a Programme Technical Manager
As a Programme Technical Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes that matter:
- Lead, mentor and inspire a multi‑disciplinary technical team, from Apprentices through to Principal Engineers, promoting a positive culture centred on safety, development, and wellbeing.
- Oversee the delivery of major water or wastewater treatment solutions from the beginning of the project to the point of handover to the Operations team, ensuring projects meet time, cost and quality expectations.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors and consultants to proactively manage risk and drive successful programme outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, partners and regulators, influencing decisions and tackling challenges with confidence.
- Champion continuous improvement, challenging existing ways of working, sharing best practices, and fostering innovation across the programme.
Based at an office within the Thames Water catchment area
Hybrid working: 2–3 days per week in the office and on-site
36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
£5,800 per annum car allowance (full driving licence and personal transport required)
What you should bring to the role
We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong leadership qualities:
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with membership of a relevant professional body.
- Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
- Excellent communication, leadership and coaching skills.
- Experience developing business cases and strategic Project Briefs.
- Understanding of the regulatory environment and its influence on programme delivery.
- Proven ability to develop and embed processes relating to technical quality, documentation and continuous improvement.
- Deep understanding of contractual considerations, risk/value management and their impact throughout the project lifecycle.
- Significant leadership experience within technical, project or construction environments. (water sector experience is advantageous)
- Experience in resource planning, productivity improvement, and driving teams to deliver to time, cost and quality.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary for this role is between £80,000 to £89,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience of the successful candidate.
- This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
- 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
- Annual Bonus opportunity.
- Private Medical Health Care.
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- 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.
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.