At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations in capital delivery, ensuring safety and sustainability.
- Company: Join Anglian Water, a leader in water management with a focus on trust and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes leadership role while promoting safety and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; strong operational management skills.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 104000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid with Thorpe Wood House as base location
Salary: Circa £104k subject to experience
Contract Type: Permanent Full Time (Flexibility for Part Time)
At Anglian Water our values are that together, we will: Build trust, do the right thing, and we are always exploring.
About the Role
We are looking for a Head of Operational Interface to provide strategic leadership across the capital delivery lifecycle, ensuring operational needs are fully represented from concept through to delivery and aftercare. In this role, you will lead Operational Liaison and Assurance teams, acting as the critical link between Operations, Engineering, Asset Management and delivery partners. You will ensure solutions are safe, operable, viable and environmentally sustainable, with a strong focus on long-term performance and customer outcomes. This is a high-impact leadership role within the Anglian Water Engineering team, where you will influence decision-making, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and ensure operational risk is designed out wherever possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Team Management
- Reporting to the Anglian Water Engineering Director, lead and develop a team of operational and assurance leads, who are aligned to capital delivery portfolios across programmes and regions.
- Ensure appropriate allocation of expertise across projects.
- Foster collaboration, accountability and continuous development within the team.
- Lead Operational Representation (Capital Delivery Lifecycle)
- Represent operational priorities throughout design, construction, commissioning and aftercare.
- Provide expert input at key project milestones and assurance gateways (e.g. Technical Assurance Group).
- Partner with project teams and operational leaders to deliver “best for business” outcomes.
- Ensure operational readiness and seamless handover of engineering projects.
- Champion Safety in Design and Operation
- Embed a strong safety culture across all capital projects.
- Ensure operational safety requirements are considered at every stage.
- Support design solutions that minimise long-term operational risk.
- Promote safe interaction between construction activities and live operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
- Build strong, trusted relationships across Operations, Engineering and Delivery.
- Manage complex or conflicting priorities to reach effective outcomes.
- Act as a visible leader across sites, maintaining close connection to operational teams.
- Continuous Improvement
- Capture and embed learning from projects and operational experience.
- Support the evolution of standards, processes and asset performance.
- Drive innovation and benchmarking across internal and external networks.
About You
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You may be a great fit if you bring:
- Degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
- Strong experience in, or awareness of, operational management within water or water recycling.
- Knowledge of hazardous process environments (e.g. DSEAR, chemical handling, process safety).
- Experience working within capital delivery or large infrastructure programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and conflict resolution skills.
- Technical understanding of engineering disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical or civil).
You will also be:
- A visible and values-led leader.
- Comfortable working across complex, fast-paced environments.
- Solutions-focused, with strong commercial and operational awareness.
- Passionate about safety, sustainability and continuous improvement.
As a valued employee, you’ll be entitled to:
- Personal private health care.
- 25 days annual leave – rising with length of service + bank holidays.
- Flexible working.
- Business use of car allowance.
- Yearly bonus scheme based on company performance.
- Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle.
- Competitive pension scheme - Double Matched Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme up to 7%.
- Generous maternity and paternity package.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we are here to support you.
Closing Date: 3rd June 2026
Head of Operational Interface employer: Anglian Water Services
At Anglian Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment based at Thorpe Wood House. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including personal private healthcare, flexible working options, and a competitive pension scheme. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages continuous development and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Interface
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Anglian Water. Building relationships can give us insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Anglian Water’s projects and values. We want to see how your experience aligns with their mission of safety and sustainability. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think about times you've led teams or managed complex projects. We love hearing about real-life examples that showcase your skills and how you handle challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Anglian Water team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Interface
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Operational Interface. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or initiatives that align with our values at Anglian Water.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience:We want to see your ability to manage complex relationships. Include examples of how you've successfully navigated stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution in previous roles, especially in operational or engineering contexts.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for the role in a timely manner.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around operational management in water or water recycling. Familiarise yourself with the capital delivery lifecycle and be ready to discuss how you can ensure operational needs are met from concept to delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and accountability, as well as how you've managed stakeholder relationships effectively.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a key focus for this role, be prepared to discuss how you've embedded a strong safety culture in previous projects. Share specific instances where you've considered operational safety requirements and minimised long-term risks.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by discussing challenges you've faced in past roles and how you overcame them. Show that you're not just aware of issues but also passionate about driving continuous improvement and innovation.
