At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic policy projects and oversee regulatory frameworks for the water sector.
- Company: Ofwat regulates the water sector in England and Wales, ensuring fair pricing and accountability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team with opportunities for international engagement and thought leadership.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on water resilience while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in economics, experience in regulatory economics, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 € per year.
Join Ofwat as a Deputy Chief Economist in our Chief Economist 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
We have two opportunities for a Deputy Chief Economist to join our Chief Economist Team within the Office of the Chief Executive Directorate. Reporting to the Chief Economist, you will have responsibility for overseeing key areas of CET's work by leading teams to develop rigorous economic thinking and advice to inform our policies, including on how to improve the current regulatory framework so that Ofwat delivers its strategic objectives. You may also be required to lead on international engagement.
As Deputy Chief Economist, you will be involved in and/or lead some of the following areas of work:
- The design of regulatory frameworks, such as our approach to price controls.
- Check and challenge of work developed across the office.
- Assessments of mergers between water companies.
- Advising on, or carrying out, ex-ante impact assessment and ex-post evaluation of Ofwat’s work.
- Supporting policy development or providing economic advice across the office where skills do not exist within the teams.
- Leading our international engagement programme.
- Lead a team of approximately 5 members, role modelling, and encouraging others to display Ofwat's preferred ways of working, behaviours, and values.
- Provide economic advice on economic and/or quantitative issues across areas at Ofwat.
- Communicate clearly, tailored to suit the needs of the audience, in a strategic, influential, succinct, and persuasive manner.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Significant knowledge of regulatory economics as well as experience in applying economic analysis in economic regulation and/or competition policy; and an understanding of the benefits this can deliver for customers.
- Experience of managing the design, development, and delivery of economic policy projects.
- A degree in economics or a discipline with significant economic content.
- Experience of thought leadership - developing original economic thinking, sharing expertise and inspiring action.
- Previous experience working with senior leadership team and/or board.
- Excellent analytical skills, ability to understand, develop and challenge complex frameworks, identifying, analysing and accurately interpreting a range of data and insights to inform evidence-based decisions and solutions on complex problems.
- Proven leadership and team management skills fostering a culture of collaboration within and across teams and external partnerships.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to address conflicting interests.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to understand and concisely explain complex issues in non-technical language.
Why You Should Join Us:
- Meaningful Impact: You will be joining a team with a sense of mission at its core aiming to build a lasting legacy for future generations by securing our long-term water resilience.
- 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 London or Birmingham offices.
- Fantastic employer pension contribution of nearly 30%.
- 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 Applications in full before the below deadline. Closing date: 23.55 on 22nd June 2025.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Economist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's current regulatory frameworks and recent policy changes. Understanding the nuances of their approach will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the water regulation sector or those who have experience with Ofwat. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the organisation's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. As a Deputy Chief Economist, you'll need to demonstrate how you've successfully led projects and fostered collaboration, so think of specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current economic trends and issues affecting the water sector. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to contributing positively to Ofwat's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Economist
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 Deputy Chief Economist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Focus on showcasing your significant knowledge of regulatory economics and any relevant experience in economic analysis or competition policy. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise and how it can benefit Ofwat.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Since the role involves leading a team, emphasise your leadership and team management skills. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and inspired action within teams, as well as your experience working with senior leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a strong cover letter that clearly communicates your motivation for applying to Ofwat and your understanding of their mission. Make sure to convey your ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and concise manner, tailored to the audience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Showcase Your Economic Expertise
As a Deputy Chief Economist, it's crucial to demonstrate your significant knowledge of regulatory economics. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've applied economic analysis in previous roles, particularly in economic regulation or competition policy.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a team, share your experiences in managing teams and fostering collaboration. Discuss how you've inspired action and developed original economic thinking within your previous positions.
✨Prepare for Complex Problem Solving
Expect to be challenged on your analytical skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled complex frameworks and made evidence-based decisions. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your ability to interpret data and insights effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Persuasively
Given the importance of communication in this role, practice explaining complex economic issues in simple terms. Tailor your responses to suit the audience, ensuring you convey your points succinctly and persuasively.
