At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the wastewater strategy and oversee regulatory commitments for the water sector.
- Company: Join Ofwat, a key player in shaping the future of water regulation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water governance and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Fellowship in relevant engineering body and substantial experience in asset management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join Ofwat’s Price Review Directorate as a Wastewater Director. Office Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working.
About Us
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. The water sector is entering a new chapter. The government has set out a bold new direction, bringing together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. We are collaborating with fellow regulators to respond to recommendations in The Independent Water Commission Report, the Welsh Government’s response to the Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales, and the Government’s White Paper, A new vision for water. Ofwat is working with the government and other regulators to help create a new body for England, bringing together our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. We are also continuing to work with the Welsh Government to support decisions on the future arrangements for Wales. While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.
The Role
The Price Review Director Wastewater is a key part of the price review leadership team and has an important and valuable role to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments. You will be contributing to the development of Ofwat’s strategic direction, demonstrating effective leadership and actively participating in cross working and multi-functional teams. The role will cover oversight and assessment of delivery against PR24 commitments, lead assessment of wastewater in-period determinations, input into the development of planning frameworks, and lead on aspects of the methodology for the next price review. You will also be expected to contribute to the wider leadership of the engineering profession. You will have the overarching responsibility for leading the design and developing key elements of the approach and the methodology for PR29, as well as coordinating development across Ofwat. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and will be expected to work across a range of policy, strategy and monitoring roles including current price review policy issues.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Lead criterion 1: Fellowship of ICE, CIWEM, or a relevant professional engineering or asset management body.
- Lead criterion 2: Substantial professional experience in engineering or asset management technical discipline, including applying this knowledge to regulation.
- Lead criterion 3: Understanding of the strategic context of the water sector including up-to-date knowledge of wastewater planning frameworks.
- Understanding of economic regulation of the water sector, including knowledge of cost assessment techniques.
- Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams (including external organisations) in delivering high-quality policy, strategic thinking and development of analytical frameworks.
- Ability to think strategically and understand key strategic issues; to ensure deliverables meet strategic objectives and recommendations, taking action to make changes that make a positive difference.
- Experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships, as well as managing consultancy input and advice.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to a wide range of stakeholders and influence and persuade effectively.
Why You Should Join Us
- People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
- Excellent employer pension contributions of up to 29%.
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
- Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Follow the link to apply for full details about the role. Please ensure you have submitted your application in full before the below deadline. Closing date: 23.55 on 02 August 2026.
Director Wastewater in Birmingham employer: Ofwat
OFWAT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the regulatory landscape of Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Wastewater in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Director Wastewater in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Ofwat.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Ofwat will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Director Wastewater at Ofwat. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Ofwat, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
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✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
