At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-billion-pound capital investment plans and ensure sustainable water services.
- Company: Join Northern Ireland Water, a top employer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working available after onboarding; excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in engineering, asset management, or project management required.
The predicted salary is between 44264 - 59018 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £44,264 to £59,018 per annum
Location: One of four locations:
- Westland Complex, 40 Old Westland Road, Belfast BT14 6TE
- Ballykeel Depot, 188 Larne Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 3HA
- Seagoe Depot, Unit 41 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown, Craigavon, BT63 5QE
- Gelvin Grange, Irish Street Derry~Londonderry, BT47 2LD
Closing Date & Time: Monday 24 Aug 2026 10:00
Job Reference: Hybrid working (available after 3 months following onboarding and training)
About the Role
The Capital Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Head of Investment Management in the formulation and delivery of the company’s long-term Capital Investment Plans (c. £2 billion across the Price Control period) and the annual Capital Programme (c. £300-500 million). This position demands a strategic and forward-looking approach to investment, while delivering against regulatory obligations and performance outputs. Operating within the Investment Management function, part of Asset Management in the Engineering & Sustainability Directorate, the role contributes directly to the planning of a significant capital programme, focused on water and wastewater infrastructure. The Directorate is responsible for the end-to-end development, planning, and delivery of major investment initiatives, ensuring that capital projects are aligned with corporate strategy, sustainability objectives, and long-term resilience of essential services.
Key aspects of the role, in support of the Head of Investment Management, include:
- The shaping and governance of multi-billion-pound investment portfolios.
- Balancing the capital programme in terms of operational needs, customer outcomes, and regulatory requirements.
- Driving strategic asset management to maximise lifecycle value, resilience, and whole-life cost efficiency.
- Working collaboratively across engineering and asset management functions to deliver efficient, resilient, and sustainable water and wastewater services.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Programme Development & Investment Planning
- Support the Head of Investment Management in shaping long-term Capital Investment Plans (annual cycles and full Price Control periods).
- Identify and assess strategic capital investment needs to improve customer service, environmental compliance, and whole-life cost efficiency.
- Contribute to forward-looking business planning activities.
- Regulatory Business Case & Governance Oversight
- Monitor and manage the pipeline of Regulatory Business Case development for Price Control submissions.
- Contribute to the review of asset solution appraisal business cases (A1 gateway), ensuring compliance with Better Business Case NI requirements.
- Prepare Utility Regulator Change Protocol documentation for major changes to nominated outputs.
- Capital Programme Monitoring, Analysis & Tools
- Scope, develop, and implement the use of analytical tools to monitor capital investment performance across a Price Control period.
- Undertake optioneering and scenario analysis to optimise investment priorities.
- Collaborate with Capital Programme Management Office (CPMO) on capital efficiency, baseline cost analysis, and regulatory cost submissions.
Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- A relevant third Level Qualification e.g. degree/HND/HNC or equivalent in Engineering, Science, Economics, Accountancy, Environmental Sector and 3 years relevant experience working in an Asset Management, Engineering Appraisal, Investment Planning, Capital Investment Programme Management, Environment or Technical Project Management or Regulatory Management role. Or (in the absence of a third level qualification) A minimum of 5 years relevant experience working in an Asset Management, Engineering Appraisal, Investment Planning, Capital Investment Programme Management, Environment or Technical Project Management or Regulatory Management role.
- Demonstrate at least 2 years experience of successfully delivering Projects (>£250k cost or benefit), proficiency in Programme Management and in engaging & managing stakeholders.
- Demonstrate at least 2 years experience of applying engineering economics, capital investment procurement strategies, business planning processes required within a utility.
- Experience of Capex reporting database systems within a regulated utility in infrastructure.
- Demonstrate experience of applying spreadsheet analysis for reconciling large, complex cost and capital cost data sets coupled with presenting insights e.g. using PowerBI.
Benefits
Not only will you be working for one of Northern Ireland's top companies, you will also receive a number of company benefits to include:
- Generous annual leave and public holidays
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Hybrid working (available after 3 months following onboarding and training)
- Occupational sick pay
- Employee assistance programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Volunteering support
- Pension
As well as a competitive remuneration package, NI Water offers an excellent DB pension scheme with a current employer contribution of 26.2%. Northern Ireland Water is an equal opportunities employer.
For further details about the role and to apply please refer to the Candidate Brief by clicking on the APPLY button below.
Capital Programme Manager in Newtownabbey employer: NI Water
NI Water is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension scheme, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant setting of Belfast or Gelvin Grange Altnagelvin. The opportunity to engage with diverse teams and contribute to essential environmental services makes this role not only rewarding but also impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital Programme Manager in Newtownabbey
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Capital Programme Manager at NI Water!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Capital Programme Manager role at NI Water!
We think you need these skills to ace Capital Programme Manager in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at NI Water. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
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How to prepare for a job interview at NI Water
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
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We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at NI Water. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
