At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement for water regulation.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the leading regulator for the water sector in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Join Ofwat’s Price Review directorate as an ODIs and cost change Senior Associate. We have 1 Fixed Term contract until the end of December 2027 available. Office location: London (E14 4HD) or Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working.
About Us: We’re Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority – a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. As the economic regulator of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, communities and the environment. We also oversee the markets in the water sector to ensure they’re working for customers.
The Role: The ODIs and cost change senior associate will make an important and valuable contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments. This is a multi‑faced role. The postholder will be expected to make a significant contribution in the areas of project management, policy, planning and co‑ordination across both the in‑period ODIs and cost change projects. In this role you will be expected to:
- Assist with project planning and preparation as well as monitoring and tracking project delivery;
- Contribute to the drafting of Information Notices and other publications;
- Assist with the management and co‑ordination of document production for draft and final determinations, ensuring these are delivered to a high standard and on time;
- Assess evidence provided by companies to support ODI payments or cost change claims and form a view on whether or not we should allow these payments;
- Lead on policy development for specific topics, including using qualitative and quantitative analysis to assess different types of evidence, developing policy options and recommendations, supported by appropriate evidence and reasoning, presenting findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders to get the decisions needed for the project, and drafting the reasoning for our decisions for internal and external published documents;
- Assist with the management and co‑ordination of papers for project and Ofwat governance meetings;
- Build strong stakeholder relationships both internally and externally to ensure that our decisions are joined up and that there has been appropriate stakeholder engagement.
About You: Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Lead criterion: Experience of assisting with project management responsibilities including planning and co‑ordination of projects and production of assessment criteria and templates.
- Graduate qualification and/or equivalent professional experience relevant to the role discipline.
- Proven ability to identify issues and to use qualitative and quantitative analysis to assess evidence and develop well supported policy options and recommendations.
- Proven ability to work to tight timescales in multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver projects in a complex stakeholder environment while managing competing priorities.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, demonstrated by influencing and building relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders and facilitating linkages between projects and work streams.
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 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.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Senior Associate ODIs and Cost Change employer: Ofwat
Ofwat is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation. With flexible hybrid working arrangements in London or Birmingham, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and work-life balance, alongside generous leave policies and access to exclusive discounts. Joining Ofwat means contributing to meaningful regulatory work that impacts customers and the environment while enjoying a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate ODIs and Cost Change
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ofwat on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Ofwat's mission and recent projects. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the water sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to project management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate ODIs and Cost Change
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of qualitative and quantitative analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past projects. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex issues and developed solid policy recommendations.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to follow and free from jargon. This will help us understand your thought process better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand Ofwat's role and the specifics of the ODIs and cost change projects. Brush up on relevant policies and recent developments in the water sector, as this will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects on time, especially in complex environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Since the role involves qualitative and quantitative analysis, be prepared to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles. Bring examples of how you've assessed evidence and developed policy recommendations based on your findings.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key for this position. Think of instances where you've successfully influenced or built relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share how you facilitated collaboration and ensured everyone was on the same page.
