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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic catchment management, focusing on nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
- Company: Ofwat regulates the water sector in England and Wales, ensuring fair pricing and accountability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, excellent pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on water management while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in catchment management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a culture of trust and collaboration.
Join Ofwat as a Catchment Management Lead in our Environment Team.
About Us
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our work has genuine significance - no other organisation does the work we do. It’s unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills don’t cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life.
The Role
In this newly created role, you will lead our strategic and technical approach to catchment management, with a focus on advancing nature-based solutions and enhancing biodiversity outcomes. The role will support the integration of environmental and economic objectives, ensuring that water companies increasingly adopt catchment-based approaches that are resilient, efficient, and aligned with long-term water resource management.
The role will see you playing a pivotal role in ensuring Ofwat is ready to respond to the outcomes of the Independent Water Commission review, and the review of Defra's regulatory landscape. Consequently, you will ensure our regulatory approach evolves to support resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and nature recovery, while also delivering economic growth and public trust.
You will be comfortable representing Ofwat and communicating Ofwat policy to environmental stakeholders including government officials, water companies and others. You will provide advice and make recommendations, ensuring Ofwat understands and can incorporate catchment management into its work, proactively sharing skills and knowledge. You will have an excellent understanding of environmental issues and experience of the water sector. Ideally, you will also have a good professional network within the water sector relevant to environmental policy. You will be comfortable working independently and at pace in an agile environment. You will continue to hone your judgement and be expected to exercise it responsibly in line with our strategy and ways of working. In turn, you will have opportunities to develop and consolidate your skill set.
About You
- Extensive experience in catchment management, which may include but not be limited to nature-based solutions, and biodiversity, ideally working within or alongside a regulator or government department.
- Proven successful leadership in catchment management policy analysis and delivery, with the ability to translate technical evidence into clear, practical policy or regulatory recommendations.
- Experience in embedding biodiversity, resilience, and environmental net gain within regulatory frameworks, cost assessments, and strategic environmental planning.
- Sound understanding of UK water industry regulation, including relevant legislation, frameworks, and key institutions (e.g. Ofwat, Defra, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales), and the ability to navigate regulatory processes to influence outcomes.
- Strong understanding of the design, implementation and evaluation of nature-based solutions in a water or land-use context.
- Excellent communication skills, and the ability to synthesize complex technical, scientific, and economic information for diverse audiences.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to influence high-level decision-making.
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
Why Join Us
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to our purpose to drive water companies to deliver more for customers and the environment.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile working and a culture of trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with meaningful collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices.
Other Benefits
- Excellent employer pension contribution of over 28%
- 25 days' annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
- Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
To read more about the role and selection process, please follow the link to apply.
Catchment Management Lead employer: Ofwat
Contact Detail:
Ofwat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catchment Management Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the water sector, especially those involved in catchment management and environmental policy. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's recent initiatives and reports related to catchment management. This will not only help you understand their priorities but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing specific examples of how you've successfully influenced policy or driven projects in catchment management. Highlight your ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the regulatory landscape by being ready to discuss key legislation and frameworks that impact the water industry. This knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role and your ability to navigate regulatory processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Catchment Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catchment Management Lead position. Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's mission and how this role contributes to their objectives.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in catchment management, particularly any work with nature-based solutions and biodiversity. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of the UK water industry regulation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with Ofwat's goals. Mention your ability to communicate complex information effectively and your experience in stakeholder management.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your application is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Showcase Your Catchment Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in catchment management, particularly any nature-based solutions you've implemented. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led initiatives and how they contributed to biodiversity outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Policy Analysis Skills
Prepare examples of how you've translated technical evidence into practical policy recommendations. This role requires strong analytical skills, so be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your recommendations on regulatory frameworks.
✨Communicate Complex Information Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical and scientific concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, so showcasing your ability to synthesise information for different audiences will be crucial.
✨Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Experience
Think of instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders or negotiated outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships within the water sector and how you’ve influenced decision-making processes.
