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 a range of employee 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 Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
Head of Operational Assurance in North East employer: Anglian Water Business (National) Limited
Wave is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a focus on continuous learning, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in Durham, the company fosters a collaborative environment where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
Anglian Water Business (National) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Assurance in North East
✨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 hunt for the Head of Operational Assurance role at Wave. You never know who might have an inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Wave's values and recent achievements, especially their focus on sustainability and customer service. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you've driven operational change in the past. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention something specific from the conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Assurance in North East
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 senior operational leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Wave. We want to see how your skills can help us drive sustainable operational change!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves interpreting data and assurance insights, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have in these areas. We love candidates who can turn complex data into clear actions, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Demonstrate Leadership Qualities:As a calm and resilient leader, it's important to showcase your ability to influence and engage others. Share stories that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully guided teams through change. We’re all about collaboration here at Wave!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values before you hit 'send'!
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 stand for 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 assurance insights, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to identify issues and drive improvements in previous roles. 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, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Wave is the right fit for you.
