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- Tasks: Lead policy development and analysis for the Price Review team at Ofwat.
- Company: Join Ofwat, a key regulator in the water sector, promoting better outcomes for customers and the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape impactful policies that influence the future of water regulation.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy formulation, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Ofwat’s cross-cutting Price Review team as a Principal Price Review Policy. We have a two year fixed term contract available.
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. Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.
The Role
This team will play a critical role in implementing the previous price review and developing the next one. The team works closely with the other teams in the Price Review Design and Delivery function and draws on the experience of other policy specialists as well as economists, lawyers and engineers when developing policy. Within the price review function, we take ownership of issues that don’t naturally fit elsewhere and develop cross-cutting policy. We also bring together work from across the directorate - spotting connections early, reducing duplication, and ensuring policy moves in a coherent, consistent direction. By creating clarity, offering constructive challenge, and helping teams align their thinking, we make it easier for the whole directorate to deliver high quality, joined up policy. This Principal role is full of influence and exciting challenges. You will have a real opportunity to shape the next price review and develop policies that will have a genuine impact on customers and the environment.
Key deliverables
- Lead or contribute to cross-cutting analysis or policy work relevant to either implementation of the previous price review or designing the next price review. You will have to identify issues, develop options and make recommendations which will be used to inform decision-making.
- Quickly gain an understanding of all elements of the price review process and how they fit together. You will need to be able to take inputs from multiple teams across the directorate and efficiently and robustly bring them together to present cross-cutting or strategic recommendations.
- Contribute to policy work led by other policy teams in the directorate. Your role could include ensuring alignment with our strategic direction, providing subject matter expertise or peer review.
- Draft reports and publications for both internal governance and publication. You will need to be able to present complex ideas clearly and set out the reasoning for our decisions to ensure robust and transparent decision-making.
- Build and maintain excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This could include engaging with economists, engineers, lawyers, policy specialists internally and at water companies, other regulators and government departments.
- Provide visible leadership and guidance to members of the price review directorate. You will be expected to support, empower and be a role model for junior members of the team, to help them develop skills and experience.
- If appropriate, act as a People Leader and/or Project Manager, taking on budget management responsibilities and, where appropriate, people management responsibilities in line with Ofwat’s Governance Framework. You may also need to manage external consultants.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Proven experience in formulating, writing and presenting clear and concise evidence-based advice to inform policy making. This should be for a range of audiences and be from a public policy or regulatory policy background.
- Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience of identifying, analysing and accurately interpreting a range of information and insights to inform evidence-based decisions and solutions for complex problems.
- 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.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to understand and concisely explain complex issues in non-technical language.
- Ability to effectively plan, prioritise and deliver projects and programmes of work both directly and by managing multi‑disciplinary teams, and where necessary external advisors/consultants.
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 will 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 offices.
- Good 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 voucher 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 27 January 2026.
Principal, Price Review Policy employer: Ofwat
Contact Detail:
Ofwat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal, Price Review Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water sector, especially those who work at Ofwat or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding Ofwat's mission and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving customer outcomes and environmental impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly, so grab a friend and run through your thoughts. The clearer you are, the more likely we are to see your potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Ofwat.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal, Price Review Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with Ofwat's values and the specific role of Principal Price Review Policy.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, aim for clarity. Use straightforward language to explain complex ideas, just like you would in a report. Remember, we want to see your analytical skills shine through without unnecessary jargon.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in public or regulatory policy. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've formulated evidence-based advice and built relationships with stakeholders. This is your chance to show us what you can bring to the team!
Proofread and Polish: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough proofread. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure your ideas flow logically. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which we value at Ofwat.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in public and regulatory policy, especially related to water services. Being able to discuss recent reports or changes in legislation will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in the sector.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and the evidence-based decisions you made. This is crucial for a role that requires outstanding analytical skills, so have a few solid examples up your sleeve.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders. Have anecdotes ready that showcase your collaboration skills, especially with diverse teams. This will highlight your fit for a role that involves engaging with various internal and external parties.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might be asked to present your thoughts during the interview, so being able to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely will be key. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it!
