At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and innovation strategies to enhance performance and customer outcomes.
- Company: Affinity Water, a forward-thinking organisation focused on resilience and future-readiness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, learning opportunities, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vital service while driving meaningful change and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large-scale transformations and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Affinity Water, we're embarking on an ambitious enterprise-wide transformation to enhance performance, improve customer outcomes, and build a resilient, future-ready organisation. We're looking for a Head of Transformation & Innovation to lead this journey and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our business on a 12 month FTC. Reporting directly to the Director of People & Transformation, you'll be responsible for defining and delivering our transformation and innovation strategy, ensuring that every initiative drives meaningful and measurable improvements across the organisation. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and influential leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, inspiring change, and creating a culture where innovation flourishes.
As Head of Transformation & Innovation, you will:
- Lead Enterprise Transformation
- Develop and deliver a company-wide transformation strategy aligned to business objectives, customer priorities, and regulatory requirements.
- Translate strategic ambitions into a portfolio of high-impact initiatives that drive performance, efficiency, and service excellence.
- Lead complex transformation programmes from concept through to delivery and benefits realisation.
- Drive Innovation
- Create and embed an innovation strategy that enables new ideas, technologies, and approaches to be identified, tested, and scaled.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and forward-thinking across the organisation.
- Champion innovative solutions that improve customer experiences and business performance.
- Deliver Measurable Value
- Own and prioritise the Change & Transformation Portfolio, ensuring investment is focused on initiatives that deliver the greatest impact.
- Build robust business cases and ensure benefits are tracked, measured, and realised.
- Use data, insight, and best practice to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Build Capability and Excellence
- Establish strong governance and delivery frameworks across the transformation portfolio.
- Lead and develop a high-performing transformation function and centre of excellence.
- Strengthen organisational change capability through effective frameworks, tools, and methodologies.
- Influence at the Highest Level
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and the Executive Leadership Team.
- Challenge thinking, shape strategic decisions, and drive accountability for results.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external partners.
About You
We're looking for a highly strategic and commercially minded leader who combines vision with execution. Significant experience leading large-scale transformation and change programmes within complex organisations. A strong track record of delivering measurable business performance improvements. Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with confidence working with data and insight. The ability to move seamlessly between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Experience building high-performing teams and developing organisational capability.
Ideally, you'll also have:
- Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, Systems Thinking, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- PRINCE2 or equivalent programme/project management qualifications.
- Change Management certification (such as Prosci or ACMP).
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential impact on business processes.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary dependant on skills and experience.
- Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and a range of formal courses and open learning resources.
- Entry into the company annual bonus scheme.
- Annual leave from 26-30 rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
- A ‘Celebration Day’ in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them.
- A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%).
- We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave.
- Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best.
- Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health.
- Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets through our Tap4Perks scheme.
- Discounts on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme through salary sacrifice.
- Up to 4 Affinity days a year to volunteer in the community.
- Life Assurance.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria and opt in on the application form. Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.
Head of Transformation & Innovation - 12 month FTC in Hatfield employer: Affinity Water
Affinity Water is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and transformation, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leaders can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to drive meaningful change while enjoying a supportive culture that values well-being and personal growth. Join us in shaping the future of water services in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a significant impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Transformation & Innovation - 12 month FTC in Hatfield
✨Tap into Corporate Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events are golden opportunities for us to meet industry leaders and learn about emerging trends. You never know when a casual conversation could lead to a temporary role like the one at Affinity Water!
✨Leverage Industry Networks
Join professional organisations and online communities focused on corporate strategy. Engage in discussions, ask for insights, and share your passion for the field. This visibility can help us get noticed by companies like Affinity Water looking for fresh temp talent.
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✨Direct Applications at Affinity Water
For a temporary role at Affinity Water, let’s make a direct approach. Keep an eye on their careers page and apply through our website. Sometimes, going straight to the source gives us a better chance than getting lost in the job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Transformation & Innovation - 12 month FTC in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In corporate strategy, showcasing your ability to analyse data and trends is crucial. Be sure to emphasise any relevant experiences or projects where you’ve demonstrated strong analytical thinking and strategic planning skills in your CV and cover letter.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Show Impact:Since this is a temporary role, it’s essential to convey how you can make a quick impact. In your cover letter, share specific examples of how your past contributions have led to measurable results in previous positions or internships. Shine a light on any projects you’ve worked on that required quick turnaround and decisive strategy.
Keep it Concise and Focused:For temporary roles, hiring managers often appreciate brevity. Make sure your CV is polished and to the point, focusing on your most relevant experiences and skills. Use bullet points to summarise your achievements and keep the layout clean—this helps us quickly see the value you bring.
Bring Your Portfolio of Ideas:Although portfolios aren't always standard in corporate strategy roles, if you have any case studies, strategy presentations, or innovative ideas, consider sharing them. You can include links in your application so we can easily review how you think and approach problems in the strategy space.
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Water
✨Know Your Strategy Tools
In corporate strategy, being familiar with frameworks like SWOT analysis, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've used these or similar tools to drive insights in your past projects—this shows you’re not just theoretical but can apply concepts in real scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Temp roles often focus on immediate impact, so be prepared to tackle case-based questions on the spot. Practice breaking down a business problem and proposing actionable strategies. Demonstrating your analytical thought process will go a long way with Affinity Water.
✨Flexibility is Key
As a temporary hire, showing that you can adapt quickly is essential. Share examples from your experience where you’ve successfully jumped into a project or handled changing priorities. This helps highlight your suitability for the dynamic nature of a temp role.
✨Pitch Your Availability and Commitment
It’s vital to make it clear that you’re ready for the short-term commitment and can hit the ground running. Talk about your flexibility in hours and your eagerness to make a meaningful contribution to Affinity Water even in a limited timeframe—this shows you're proactive and dedicated!
