At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Ofwat's team to shape water regulation and improve customer outcomes.
- Company: Ofwat, the economic regulator for water services in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for leadership and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water policy and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Join Ofwat’s Price Review Outcomes Team as a Senior Associate – Outcomes. We have 1 Fixed Term contract until the end of December 2027 available.
Office Location: London (E14 4HD) or Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working.
About Us: We’re Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority – a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. As the economic regulator of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, communities and the environment. We also oversee the markets in the water sector to ensure they’re working for customers.
The Role: We are looking for a Senior Associate (SA) to join the Outcomes team in the Price Review (PR) Directorate. The Outcomes team plays a central role in designing and shaping the next price review, including rationalising and streamlining our incentive framework in line with the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission’s review. This role will have a significant impact in securing the best outcomes for water customers in the Price Review 2029 (PR29) period of 2030-2035.
This key role will involve working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including Defra, other regulators, and water companies, to design, develop, and implement a robust framework for PR29, and to consider the impacts on customers and the environment at each step of the development of the incentive framework.
In this role you will be expected to:
- Deliver high-quality analysis, policy papers and reporting to support internal decision‑making and external publications;
- Present clear, evidence‑based policy recommendations on PCs to senior leadership;
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to refine PC methodologies, and applying technical expertise to ensure they are robust, consistent, and fit for purpose;
- Work as part of the price review team to help build collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
There may also be opportunities for you to task manage others in the team, manage consultant resource and to support development as a leader.
About You: Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Lead criterion: Experience of developing innovative and evidence-based policy options, and providing robust assessment of these, including clear articulation of benefits, trade‑offs and risks.
- Undergraduate degree for which you can show that the skills developed are relevant to the role and/or equivalent policy experience.
- Strong organisational skills, with the experience of effectively managing and prioritising multiple tasks.
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 offices.
- Good employer pension contributions.
- 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.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Senior Associate Outcomes 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 Senior Associate Outcomes in Birmingham
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Outcomes in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Ofwat.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Ofwat that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
