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- Tasks: Lead strategic catchment management and enhance biodiversity outcomes.
- Company: Ofwat regulates the water sector in England and Wales, ensuring fair water services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on water management and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in catchment management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
Job title: Catchment Management Lead
Position type: Permanent
Job reference: 416275
No. Vacancies: 1
Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) or London (E14 4HD) based with hybrid working
Salary: £57,783 – £67,000
Closing date: Sunday 3rd August 2025 at 23:55
Join Ofwat as a Catchment Management Lead in our Environment Team.
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. Our work has genuine significance no other organisation does the work we do. It s unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills don t cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life.
The Role
In this newly created role, you will lead our strategic and technical approach to catchment management, with a focus on advancing nature-based solutions and enhancing biodiversity outcomes. The role will support the integration of environmental and economic objectives, ensuring that water companies increasingly adopt catchment-based approaches that are resilient, efficient, and aligned with long-term water resource management.
The role will see you playing a pivotal role in ensuring Ofwat is ready to respond to the outcomes of the Independent Water Commission review, and the review of Defra\’s regulatory landscape. Consequently, you will ensure our regulatory approach evolves to support resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and nature recovery, while also delivering economic growth and public trust.
You will be comfortable representing Ofwat and communicating Ofwat policy to environmental stakeholders including government officials, water companies and others. You will provide advice and make recommendations, ensuring Ofwat understands and can incorporate catchment management into its work, proactively sharing skills and knowledge.
You will have an excellent understanding of environmental issues and experience of the water sector. Ideally, you will also have a good professional network within the water sector relevant to environmental policy. You will be comfortable working independently and at pace in an agile environment. You will continue to hone your judgement and be expected to exercise it responsibly in line with our strategy and ways of working. In turn, you will have opportunities to develop and consolidate your skill set.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
1. Extensive experience in catchment management, which may include but not be limited to nature-based solutions, and biodiversity, ideally working within or alongside a regulator or government department.
2. Proven successful leadership in catchment management policy analysis and delivery, with the ability to translate technical evidence into clear, practical policy or regulatory recommendations.
3. Experience in embedding biodiversity, resilience, and environmental net gain within regulatory frameworks, cost assessments, and strategic environmental planning.
4. Sound understanding of UK water industry regulation, including relevant legislation, frameworks, and key institutions (e.g. Ofwat, Defra, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales), and the ability to navigate regulatory processes to influence outcomes.
5. Strong understanding of the design, implementation and evaluation of nature-based solutions in a water or land-use context.
6. Excellent communication skills, and the ability to synthesize complex technical, scientific, and economic information for diverse audiences.
7. Strategic thinking with the ability to influence high-level decision-making.
8. Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
Follow the link to Apply for full details about the role, please ensure you have submitted your Applications in full before the below deadline.
Why Join Us
• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to our purpose to drive water companies to deliver more for customers and the environment.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile working and a culture of 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 meaningful collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices.
Other Benefits
• Excellent employer pension contribution of over 28%
• 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.
To read more about the role and selection process, please follow the link to apply.
TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE \”APPLY NOW\” BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Catchment Management Lead employer: Ofwat
Contact Detail:
Ofwat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catchment Management Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the water sector, especially those involved in catchment management and environmental policy. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's recent publications and reports on catchment management and biodiversity. This will not only enhance your understanding of their priorities but also allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your leadership in catchment management and your ability to influence policy. Highlight any successful projects where you integrated nature-based solutions or enhanced biodiversity outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practising how to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders, so consider role-playing scenarios where you present your ideas to non-experts.
We think you need these skills to ace Catchment Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catchment Management Lead position. Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's mission and how this role contributes to their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in catchment management and environmental policy. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to translate technical evidence into practical recommendations, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for water management and environmental issues. Clearly articulate how your background aligns with Ofwat's objectives and the specific skills you bring to the table, particularly in nature-based solutions and stakeholder management.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Catchment Management Lead role. Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's mission and how this position contributes to their goals, especially in relation to nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your extensive experience in catchment management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully led policy analysis and delivery, particularly in embedding biodiversity and resilience within regulatory frameworks.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice explaining complex technical information in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and government officials.
✨Prepare for Strategic Thinking Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you would influence high-level decision-making and navigate regulatory processes to achieve desired outcomes in the water sector.
