This vacancy is now closed

 

About the role:

The Research, Development and Innovation (R, D&I) department tackle complex business challenges, delivering high-quality research and development which is underpinned by engineering and scientific excellence.  The outputs and outcomes from R, D&I will transform Thames Water and the outcomes that we deliver for our customers, the public and the environment.  Whether through improvements in asset performance, risk reduction or increased resilience.

As the Process R&D Manager, you will provide expert technical leadership, strategic direction and management/execution of the research & development (R&D) portfolio.  You will be responsible for identifying and agreeing on research priorities with Thames Water senior managers, developing business cases and taking these through governance, and executing projects to deliver maximum impact.  In this role, you will be recognised as a leader in process science/engineering, both within Thames Water and in the wider industry, bringing knowledge of the water/wastewater market, including regulatory landscape and latest scientific/technical developments.

You will be responsible for the management of a team of up to 25 R&D scientists/engineers.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Identify and prioritise business needs working closely with stakeholders across the business, including senior management, to identify and agree on needs in the short, medium and long-term and to prioritise these in accordance with our business-wide strategic priorities, including but not limited to meeting regulatory commitments, delivering frontier efficiency levels in our assets and operations, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by2030
  • Develop a balanced R&D portfolio based on the prioritised set of business needs, you will be responsible for developing a balanced R&D portfolio to deliver the desired outputs/outcomes
  • Management and execution of the R&D programme accountable for the development, management and execution of the work programme, including management of people (employees, post-graduate researchers, consultants, contractors) and delivery, including technical assurance of the programme outputs
  • Knowledge transfer and embedding solutions into the business working with key business stakeholders, notably project sponsors and product owners, to transfer solutions and knowledge which can be embedded into business as usual
  • Technical leadership contributing to the technical leadership of the business, utilising your expertise and developing the capabilities within the team to ensure the technical excellence of the outputs delivered by R, D&I

To be successful you will have the following skills and experience:

  • A minimum of an honours degree in science or engineering in a relevant discipline (or equivalent)
  • Demonstrable technical expertise in the field of process science/engineering in the water and/or wastewater sector, including national/international recognition through peer-reviewed publications and engagement in technical forums
  • Broad understanding of the industry, business, and specific technical challenges faced by the water industry
  • People management and leadership experience
  • Programme and financial management capabilities with demonstrable experience in the complete project lifecycle, including ideation, business case development, project execution and embedding solutions in business as usual
  • Excellent communication, networking, influencing and technical translation skills 

What’s in it for you?

R, D&I provide solutions to key business challenges. This role offers the opportunity to define and deliver our R&D programme across clean and wastewater process (including sludge treatment). Flexible working hours are possible within this role.

Our competitive salary and package include a competitive bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday. There is also a wider benefits scheme which includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans and loyalty awards for continuous service plus discounts at a wide range of retailers via Benefits on Taps.  We also have a referral scheme, where you can receive £750 for helping someone get a permanent position within the company. 

We’re proud to be here for our local community, offering everyone two days paid volunteer leave a year, as well as proudly supporting a lot of local events and charities. 

Click here to find out more about working at Thames Water

About us:

Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to millions of customers by supplying 2.7 billion litres of world-class water to around 10 million homes.  

As our world changes, the need to take care of our most precious resource is greater than ever, both locally and globally. That’s why, at Thames Water, every one of our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to daily life, and that means our business is always open. We’re passionate about providing world-class tap water, now and for the future.

We’re also turning waste into power, self-generating 20% of the energy we use and, in turn, doing our bit for the planet. We’re reducing plastic waste by celebrating our tap water and rolling out an ambitious water fountain project. We’re using our voice to lobby for change and partnering with WaterAid to provide clean water to the world’s poorest communities.

Together, we’re building a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and unparalleled benefits. We’re also proud to be an equal opportunity employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and Disability Confident Leader, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and leading the way with an award-winning mental health and wellbeing strategy.