At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational assurance, driving performance and change across the organisation.
- Company: Wave, a leading national business water retailer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and extensive perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that champions operational excellence and employee wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and strong background in risk and governance.
The predicted salary is between 70667 - 70667 € per year.
Location: Contractual base in Salvus House, Durham with hybrid working opportunities
Salary Range: £70,667 plus discretionary bonus potential of up to 12% of annual salary
Job Level: B
Reporting to: Director of Operations
We want our people to have a great work‑life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
ABOUT US
Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non‑household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023 and most recently in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market‑leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer‑focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society. The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you, and we give great things back.
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL
The Head of Operational Assurance is a strategic, people‑led role responsible for strengthening operational performance, consistency and resilience across the organisation. The role acts as a bridge between data, operations and change - translating complex performance, risk and insight into clear actions, scalable processes and sustainable improvements. It leads large‑scale operational change, embeds robust controls and ways of working, and drives continuous improvement through strong cross‑functional collaboration. Ultimately, the role ensures operations are compliant, efficient, well‑governed and ready to support growth, while developing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, engagement and operational excellence. You’ll be directly managing three people leaders, covering data integrity, account resolution and revenue assurance. These areas are being brought under this role to create synergy, bringing teams closer together who are working towards the same goals. You’ll be using these teams’ insights as well as guiding their focus and priority areas, which will then need to be delivered across Wave.
WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
- Oversight and insight – understanding operational performance, risk, controls and emerging issues through data, assurance and listening to the business.
- Leadership and governance – guiding conversations, challenging constructively, and ensuring decisions are well‑informed and aligned to risk appetite.
- Change and improvement – embedding better ways of working, strengthening controls, and ensuring assurance findings lead to lasting outcomes rather than reports.
- Influence and communication – working across operations, risk, change and leadership to turn complexity into clarity and action.
- Future‑proofing – anticipating risks, pressures and impacts of change to keep operations resilient and ready.
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
Skills / Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience within complex, large‑scale environments
- Strong background in operational assurance, risk, controls or governance
- Ability to interpret data and assurance insight to identify systemic issues and priorities
- Proven capability to drive and embed sustainable operational change
- Confident influencer who can challenge and engage executives constructively
- Calm, resilient leader with strong judgement, integrity and an outcomes‑focused mindset
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Wealth
- Excellent pension scheme – we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
- Bonus potential
- Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks – high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
- Income protection scheme
- Personal accident insurance 4x salary life assurance
- Free onsite parking
Time off
- 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
- A day off for your birthday
- Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- The option to buy holidays
- 1 day paid volunteering
Wellbeing
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Annual conference and Christmas party
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Free flu shots
Family Friendly
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family.
BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting.
Head of Operational Assurance employer: Anglian Water Business (National) Limited
Wave is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a hybrid working model and flexible hours. With a strong commitment to continuous learning and development, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful sustainability efforts. The company also provides an attractive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme, bonus potential, and ample holiday time, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
Contact Detail:
Anglian Water Business (National) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially in operational assurance. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role at Wave!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Wave's values and recent achievements. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission of sustainability and customer focus. We love it when candidates are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational change or improved processes in your previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that magic to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operational Assurance role. Highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership and assurance, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Wave.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've driven operational change or improved processes in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for operational excellence and how you can contribute to our culture at Wave. We’re looking for someone who fits in with our team!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Wave!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Business (National) Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Wave's mission and values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and customer service. This will help you align your answers with what they care about and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Operational Assurance, you'll be leading teams and driving change. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, implemented operational changes, or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a culture of accountability and engagement.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Since the role involves interpreting data and insights, brush up on your analytical skills. Think of specific instances where you've used data to identify issues or drive improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into actionable strategies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's future goals, challenges in operational assurance, or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Wave is the right fit for you.
