At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to assess water supply plans and engage with companies for effective delivery.
- Company: Ofwat, the regulator shaping the future of water in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible work, generous leave, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and a people-centric culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and resilience while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or science, plus relevant experience in water sector management.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
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
We are seeking a Senior Associate Water Supply Technical Specialist to join our Water Quality, Resilience and Security sub-team, part of the Water Supply team within the RAPID and Environmental Planning Directorate. The team works closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Defra, Environment Agency (EA), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on water supply issues from source to tap, while also collaborating with colleagues from the Price Review Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in engineering, water or environmental science, or operational/asset management, looking to work within a regulatory environment.
You will have the opportunity to work across several key areas, which may include:
- Assessing Company Delivery Plans, Price Control Deliverables (PCDs) and Annual Performance Review (APR) data to provide effective oversight of company performance.
- Engaging directly with water companies through the large scheme process, understanding uncertainty, risks and issues to support the cost-effective delivery of schemes to time and budget.
- Assessing information submitted as part of the cost change process. This may involve the development of benchmarking models and undertaking detailed reviews of company proposals.
- Inputting into the development of the next price review framework and answering ad-hoc queries on the costing of different options relating to water quality and treatment, resilience and/or security.
The successful candidate may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and is likely to have experience in water supply process management, design, or delivery, water resilience scheme investment planning, design or delivery (e.g. network reinforcement, interconnectivity and water treatment works investment), or water production operations. This can also include experience in water company emergency planning, physical and cyber security activities, and investment planning.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Relevant experience within water sector engineering, capital or environmental programmes, asset/operational management and/or business planning, applying technical expertise to deliver projects, assessments, operational activities and/or business outcomes.
- Degree level qualification in engineering, science, or similar technical specialism/discipline or sufficient relevant experience.
- Numerate with analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience of analysing and accurately interpreting a range of data and insights to inform evidence-based decisions and solutions for complex problems.
- Experience of building and maintaining constructive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations, and to influence and collaborate effectively to deliver desired outcomes.
- Demonstrable experience of working autonomously, managing competing priorities and exercising judgement to define and deliver work to agreed deadlines, while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Good communication (oral and written) skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
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.
- 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.
Senior Associate Water Supply Technical Specialist 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 Water Supply Technical Specialist in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Water Supply Technical Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Associate Water Supply Technical Specialist, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Ofwat a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Ofwat specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ofwat, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Ofwat want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
