Thames Water is delivering one of the most significant transformation programmes in its history. We’re looking for experienced Senior Transformation Managers who can bring structure, pace and momentum to complex, large-scale change. You’ll play a key role in turning strategic objectives into practical delivery, leading programmes that improve how we operate and helping to embed lasting improvements for our customers, colleagues and communities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working in fast-moving environments, leading through ambiguity and delivering meaningful business change

What you’ll be doing a Senior Transformation Manager

As a Senior Transformation Manager, you’ll lead high-priority transformation programmes from initial definition through to delivery and implementation. You’ll work in a fast-moving environment where priorities may change, and the route forward may not always be fully defined.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading complex transformation programmes from definition through to delivery and embedding.
  • Turning strategic objectives into clear, practical programme plans.
  • Establishing effective programme governance, delivery controls and measures of success.
  • Monitoring delivery, identifying risks and issues and taking action to keep programmes on track.
  • Managing programme dependencies and aligning delivery with the wider operational and transformation portfolio.
  • Acting as a key point of contact for programme delivery status.
  • Keeping programme sponsors and senior stakeholders engaged, informed and appropriately challenged.
  • Leading and motivating matrix and virtual teams through sustained periods of change.
  • Supporting cultural and behavioural change so that improvements are embedded for the long term.
  • Working across operational, technical, digital, data and business teams to drive collaboration and delivery.
  • Communicating complex information clearly and succinctly to different audiences.
  • Applying programme management and transformation methodologies in a practical and proportionate way.

Base location: Hybrid, Reading/Home

Working pattern: Full-time

Necessary requirements for the role:

  • You will be required to work from the Reading office around two days per week.
  • Travel to other Thames Water locations, including London, when required.
  • Ability to travel across the Thames Water catchment area

What you should bring to the role

The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role is:

  • Demonstrable experience leading complex transformation, change, business improvement or operational improvement programmes.
  • Proven programme management capability, including governance, planning, risk management, issue resolution and benefits delivery.
  • Experience delivering programmes of significant scale, complexity and organisational impact.
  • Experience leading delivery over an extended programme lifecycle and maintaining momentum through changing priorities.
  • The ability to provide clarity, structure and direction in ambiguous or fast-moving environments.
  • Experience monitoring programme performance and using data and insight to drive decision-making.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing and engaging senior leaders.
  • Experience leading matrix teams and driving outcomes through people who may not report directly to you.
  • Experience delivering and embedding organisational, cultural or behavioural change.
  • The ability to translate strategy into practical delivery plans and measurable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify and explain complex information to a variety of audiences.
  • Good digital and data literacy with the ability to work effectively across operational, technical and business teams

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:

  • Experience in utilities, infrastructure or another regulated industry.
  • Previous consulting or professional services experience.
  • Experience delivering large-scale operational turnaround or efficiency programmes.
  • Experience leading technology-enabled, digital or data transformation initiatives.
  • Knowledge of asset management systems, asset data or asset hierarchies.
  • Understanding of asset management principles and operational data environments.
  • Knowledge of supervisory control and data acquisition systems and their use within operational environments.
  • Experience working alongside data analysts or data-led delivery teams.
  • Practical data analysis experience.

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive salary from £66,590 to £76,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
  • 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 days with length of service, plus bank holidays.
  • Car allowance.
  • Performance-related pay plan linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • Generous pension scheme through AON.
  • Private medical healthcare.
  • 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.