At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Ofwat's Major Projects Team to shape the future of water infrastructure.
- Company: Ofwat, a key regulator in the water sector, focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous leave, excellent pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a people-centric culture that values respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major water projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience in commercial management or cost management for complex infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join Ofwat’s Major Projects Team as a Senior Associate Commercial Adviser.
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 Senior Associate, Commercial Adviser role makes an important contribution to delivering Ofwat’s strategic objectives and regulatory commitments across the major water infrastructure portfolio. You will join our growing Major Projects Team at Senior Associate level, working with the Commercial Lead across Ofwat’s £50bn pipeline of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will help develop and implement Ofwat’s commercial approach, including cost estimating, benchmarking, commercial strategy for procurement and tendering, contract strategy and commercial assurance. You will help develop and embed the frameworks, processes, methodologies and standards that provide a consistent, evidence-based approach to commercial decision-making and value for money across the full lifecycle of major water infrastructure projects. You will lead, advise and supervise external suppliers delivering commercial assurance, setting clear requirements, providing technical direction and applying constructive challenge to ensure high-quality outputs. You will use assurance findings to strengthen Ofwat’s commercial frameworks and enable continuous, progressively deeper assurance as projects develop through their lifecycle and gates. You will also provide commercial analysis and advice to Ofwat project leads in preparing assurance reports and governance, supporting informed decision-making on Major Water Infrastructure Programme projects. You will provide commercial advice across optioneering, business case development, procurement, tendering, contracting, construction and commissioning. This will include projects delivered through competitive models such as the Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model and Specified Infrastructure Projects Regulations (SIPR), as used in the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, as well as projects progressing through the RAPID (Regulator's Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development) process.
About You
- A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in commercial management, estimating, quantity surveying or cost management (e.g. RICS), with experience working on complex infrastructure projects or programmes, cost estimating, benchmarking, commercial assurance and commercial strategy for procurement and delivery.
- Experience of applying and contributing to the development of commercial methodologies, frameworks and evidence-based approaches to cost, schedule, benchmarking, risk and commercial assurance across the project lifecycle.
- Able to provide credible commercial advice, constructively challenge assumptions and translate complex information and analysis into clear, evidence-based recommendations to support project and senior decision-making.
- Experience of providing commercial input into procurement, tendering and contract strategy, including risk allocation and the management of commercial risk and opportunity, with an understanding of their impact on cost, schedule and value for money.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, engage effectively with a range of stakeholders and constructively manage different or conflicting views.
- A collaborative approach that promotes knowledge sharing, coaching and continuous improvement, supporting colleagues and the development of commercial capability.
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 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.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Senior Associate Commercial Adviser, Major Water Infrastructure Projects in London 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 Commercial Adviser, Major Water Infrastructure Projects in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ofwat, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ofwat and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Commercial Adviser, Major Water Infrastructure Projects in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ofwat and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ofwat, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ofwat.
