Data Research Team Lead (Remote)

Join Ofwat as a Policy Lead – Water Efficiency Innovation in our Water Resources Team. We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. 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.

You will have the opportunity to support with the development of specific areas of strategy and policy. These will include leading the development of smart metering strategies and/or shaping delivery of the £25m Water Efficiency Lab challenges. You will also have the opportunity to work with wider governments and regulators and with a varied range of stakeholders on water efficiency and water resources policy.

This includes the Smart Water Metering Delivery Group (SWMDG) governance, bringing together Ofwat, EA, Defra, MOSL, CCW, water companies and others to develop standards and regulation to coordinate the national rollout.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with experience of innovation, smart metering, water efficiency and/or experience of working on environmental strategy or policy within the water sector looking to gain experience whilst working within the regulatory sector. The successful candidate may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and is likely to have experience in policy and strategy gained from working in, for example, Government, third sector regulators, utilities, or the contracting sector.

• Lead on the delivery of water resources and efficiency policy projects and programmes, including on elements of communication, engagement, monitoring and reporting.
• Support wider water resources and efficiency policy development working with government, other regulators, water companies and wider stakeholders.
• Lead work with our Water Efficiency Fund Evaluation Partner on benefits assessment of projects funded by the Water Efficiency Lab.
• Contribute to the RAPID and Environmental Planning directorate strategy and policy work more broadly as required.
• Support growth of the team and line management of additional staff (Associates and/or Graduates).

Experience with innovation, smart metering, water efficiency and/or experience working on Environmental Strategy or Policy within the water sector.

Experience of developing policy and strategy products such as policy briefs, strategies, and designing and facilitating workshops.

Academic or professional experience of wider environmental issues and good knowledge/understanding of those related to the water industry.

Experience of formulating, presenting, and writing clear and concise evidence-based advice to inform policy making, decision building and recommendations, for a range of audiences and to encourage and respond to constructive challenge to build confidence in decision-making.

Experience of building and maintaining constructive working relationships with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs, expectations, and priorities, and to influence and collaborate effectively to deliver desired outcomes.

Contribute to our purpose to drive water companies to deliver more for customers and the 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.
• 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.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.