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- Tasks: Lead strategic direction for water utilities across Defence, ensuring operational delivery and resource management.
- Company: Join the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, managing £28bn in assets globally for military and civilian needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, Civil Service pension, and flexible remote work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues while shaping the future of water management in Defence.
- Qualifications: Bring leadership experience in the water sector and knowledge of statutory requirements.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to innovate within a new capability in Defence.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation enables Defence people to live, work, train and deploy at home and overseas and we are proud to be the expert partner Defence needs for all their infrastructure requirements. As one of the largest landowners in the UK, we manage assets worth £28bn, with an annual budget of £3.3bn. DIO employs approximately 4,500 staff from a very diverse range of professions, working across the world: in Germany, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Canada, Kenya and Belize.
The role is an exciting new opportunity that is strengthening our leadership team to help address complex issues facing water across the Defence Estate. The Deputy Director Water Utilities is responsible for setting strategic direction for operational delivery across the organisation, securing resources and enabling delivery outcomes for water consumption for both the military and the public. The existing water utilities provision for MoD, referred to as ‘Aquatrine’, is a unique and complex operation, providing fresh drinking water, fire mains, sewage treatment and water suppression systems to all military and a large number of civilian and commercial establishments. In scale, this is equivalent to the UK’s 9th largest Water Board serving circa 600,000 users and comprising circa 2500 sites, managed by the DIO as a single operation and worth circa £2.8bn. You will develop the strategy for the subsequent transition into a future operating state, which will involve the set up and leadership of a managed service provider and all associated staffing, systems, data management, compliance and operational delivery across the defence estate.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop the way in which Defence approaches its management of water and assets. Working with us means protecting and improving the environment for generations to come, tackling issues of significant national importance and delivering for local communities. Our responsibilities span major industry regulation, flood defences, land contamination, water quality, waste regulation, and nature. Such a broad scope of work calls for a unique individual with exceptional leadership skills and vision.
With significant knowledge of statutory and legislative requirements, you will work with the Chief Regulator to ensure we comply with our legal responsibilities managing safety, corporate and reputational risks. You will understand commercial opportunities and bring a wealth of leadership experience in the water sector.
To apply for this post, please click the apply button below, you will need to complete the online application by no later than 23.55 on Sunday 27th April 2025. For an informal discussion please contact: Zoe Bennett, Senior Researcher or Tracy Wicik, Consultant. Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
Deputy Director Water Utilities - Hybrid employer: Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Contact Detail:
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Water Utilities - Hybrid
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to environmental protection and community service will help you align your experience and vision with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the water utilities sector, especially those with experience in public sector roles. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Defence Estate, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with managing complex operations. Given the scale of the water utilities provision, showcasing your ability to lead diverse teams and navigate regulatory environments will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and regulations in the water sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only demonstrate your expertise but also show your commitment to driving innovation within the DIO.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Water Utilities - Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Deputy Director Water Utilities position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in the water sector and leadership roles. Emphasise achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex operations and compliance with statutory requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation's mission. Address how your background and vision align with their goals, particularly in managing water utilities.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence Infrastructure Organisation
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Deputy Director Water Utilities role. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities, such as managing water utilities and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Given the emphasis on leadership in this role, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences in the water sector. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams or projects, particularly those that involved strategic direction and operational delivery.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Regulatory Frameworks
Since the role involves significant regulatory responsibilities, brush up on relevant statutory and legislative requirements in the water sector. Be ready to discuss how you have navigated these regulations in past roles and how you would ensure compliance in this position.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the future challenges facing the water utilities sector within Defence, or ask about the strategic vision for the role. This shows your genuine interest and engagement with the position.
