Regulatory Strategy Specialist in Leeds

Water Utility Company based in the Yorkshire region of England.

We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience up to £65,000 (band 3b) and a company car allowance (£500 per month/£6,000 per year, based on full-time employment on joining the company). You can opt to sign up to the EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme 6 months after joining the company. Additional benefits include:

• Annual incentive related bonus (up to 15% of annual salary).
• Private health care (self only).
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus 2 extra wellness days!
• A great benefits package including health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme.
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Location: Leeds Valley Park - Hybrid Working (averaging 2-3 days in the office a week). Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

What we do: We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, ensuring that over 5.4 million people living in the region can rely on our services for clean and safe drinking water and wastewater management. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to manage Yorkshire's water sustainably.

The Regulatory Specialist Major Projects / DPC plays a critical role in supporting Yorkshire Water's major infrastructure investment programme. Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) is a competitive delivery route for major infrastructure projects, where a third party is appointed to design, build, finance and potentially operate assets on behalf of the water company. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements set out by Ofwat and RAPID.

As our Regulatory Specialist you will:

• Lead regulatory oversight of major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with Ofwat DPC requirements, RAPID guidance, licence obligations and regulatory frameworks.
• Support the identification, assessment and delivery of DPC-eligible schemes as part of business planning, strategic reviews and price review submissions.
• Provide expert regulatory and commercial advice on major investment programmes, procurement strategies, bulk supply agreements and complex commercial arrangements.
• Manage regulatory risks associated with major projects, ensuring robust governance, compliance and assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate and support high-quality regulatory submissions, including DPC gateway submissions, business cases, consultation responses and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Build strong relationships across Capital Delivery, Strategy, Commercial and Finance teams to ensure regulatory requirements are embedded in decision-making and investment planning.
• Represent the Regulation team on key business forums and working groups, influencing the development and delivery of major infrastructure programmes.
• Contribute to Yorkshire Water's regulatory strategy by monitoring industry developments, shaping policy positions and supporting engagement with Ofwat, RAPID and wider industry stakeholders.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Strong knowledge of Ofwat's regulatory framework, including DPC, Price Reviews, business planning and regulatory accounting.
• Experience interpreting complex regulatory requirements and translating them into practical business actions and investment decisions.
• Good understanding of major infrastructure projects, procurement models, commercial arrangements and contract structures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, evaluate options and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, submissions and briefing materials.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders, regulators and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organisational skills, capable of managing multiple complex workstreams and competing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strategic and collaborative mindset, with the ability to work across diverse teams, challenge constructively, and ensure compliance with regulatory obligations while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

You will also benefit from having:

• Experience working on major capital programmes, DPC schemes or within a regulated infrastructure environment, ideally within the water sector.
• Proven experience preparing or supporting regulatory submissions, business plans, investment cases or gated approval processes.
• Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Engineering, Law, Finance, Public Policy or a related subject.
• Strong understanding of best practice in major project delivery, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure investment across regulated sectors.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we support flexible working patterns and job share options to help you balance work and home life.

If you have relevant experience in this area and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today.

Closing date: 27th September. If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.

All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.