Head of Engineering Delivery in England

At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to 16 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. We deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities, and the environment can thrive. As the UK’s largest water company, we’re taking action for a new world of water – fixing today’s problems and building resilience for tomorrow. Our AMP8 Business Plan for 2025‑2030 is our largest ever, with a proposed total expenditure of over £20 billion, more than double the last five‑year period, and the largest ever in the UK Water Industry. This once‑in‑a‑generation investment will deliver lasting improvements to water infrastructure across London and the Thames Valley.

You’ll have influence at the highest level, working across the organisation and engaging directly with senior leaders and directors, including a close working relationship with the Chief Engineer. You’ll join us on a long‑term growth journey where engineering sits at the heart of decision‑making, driving the right environmental and customer outcomes. This is more than a role – it’s a defining opportunity to transform how we deliver Engineering activity within our Capital Investment programme, aligning with wider strategies and demonstrating visible leadership into teams.

We’re looking for a dynamic, visionary Head of Engineering Delivery to join our Major Projects & Programmes (MPP) Leadership Team. This is a high‑profile senior role that not only reports directly into MPP Director and is accountable for Engineering Delivery services across MPP, but further matrixes into the Chief Engineer as a part of Thames Water’s wider Engineering Leadership Team. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping our engineering capability, driving innovation, and delivering high‑impact capital projects worth over £9 bn in the next five years.

What you’ll be doing as Head of Engineering Delivery:

• Leading the newly created Engineering Delivery Department, bringing together talented teams to deliver end‑to‑end engineering solutions across our MPP portfolio.
• Managing a growing team of over 200 professional engineers, with 4‑6 direct reports, and overseeing a multi‑billion‑pound budget.
• Driving the integration and development of professional engineers in MPP with wider Engineering Communities of Practice, led by the Chief Engineer function.
• Developing and implementing the engineering approach for AMP8, ensuring projects are delivered to schedule, budget, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
• Engaging with the Chief Engineer / Head of Engineering Services to ensure service requirements into the MPP portfolio are understood, developed, and delivered.
• Driving a zero‑compromise approach to Health, Safety & Wellbeing, embedding best practice and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Building strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, supply chain partners, and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes that matter.
• Championing transformation and new ways of working, fostering a culture of innovation, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Base location: Clearwater Court, Reading, Hampton or Maple Lodge (with flexible working arrangements)

Working pattern or hours: Full‑time, permanent. A mix of office & site working at least 3 days per week.

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Strategic leadership experience in engineering delivery for major capital schemes or programmes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of capital projects, asset maintenance planning, and engineering delivery in complex, real‑time operations.
• In‑depth understanding of procurement, supplier management, legal compliance, financial controls, and project governance.
• Formal professional recognition (CEng, CSci) and a minimum of an honours engineering degree (or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead transformation, drive change, and inspire high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Fellowship of a relevant engineering institute.
• Relevant business degree (e.g., MBA) or equivalent.
• Passion for continuous professional development and diversity.
• Experience operating in complex environments with political and media stakeholders.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water:

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.