Finance Manager - Ops Support in Reading

FIXED TERM CONTRACT – 15 MONTHS

This role is a crucial member of our Finance leadership team, supporting our Asset, Operations and Capital Delivery Business – with a real focus on:

• Setting the teams and our Business Partners up for success through robust planning, analytics and reporting processes.
• Using data to create insight to drive action.
• Helping the Business drive performance and maximise value across a ~£5 billion operating cost base and £17bn capital programme.

What you’ll be doing as a Finance Manager – Ops Support:

• Drive forward the analytics and insight across our reporting, supporting decision makers and key stakeholders.
• Set the teams and Business colleagues up for success through actively deploying and managing robust, transparent actionable timetables and planning cycles.
• Strengthen our understanding of cost drivers and mature our reporting and planning insight to enhance performance management.
• Embed cultural change across data quality, performance insight and management action; attained via clear, transparent and actionable reporting complemented with expert financial counsel and guidance.
• Develop, implement and embed financial rigour, discipline and control through a culture of continuous improvement and transparent accountability.
• Drive the innovation and associated adoption of new ways of working and system enhancements.
• Support our Transformation Programme and embed new ways of working.
• Report on overall efficiency across the operating cost base.
• Partner the wider Finance team and key Business stakeholders as part of delivering high‑quality reporting and insight and delivery of planning outputs.
• Manage the team producing the reporting and insight to help the Business understand cost drivers and improve performance.
• Set the timeline and process for the production of high‑quality plans with linkage between cost, risk, schedule and output.
• Continually iterate and mature our reporting environment to ensure that our insight is robust and assured.
• Oversee and consolidate operational efficiency performance reporting.

Hybrid – Reading, 36 hours a week.

What you should bring to the role:

• Experience supporting and working with senior business leaders and C‑suite executives.
• Experience working in organisations and industries with significant capital investment and a front‑line operational focus.
• Extensive post‑qualification experience (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Strong data and reporting skills.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Understanding of financial processes and standards across regulated industries.
• Project management.
• Matrix management experience.
• Significant communications experience: uses financial analysis to facilitate change but brings numbers to life and presents the information in a compelling way; ability to use “emotional” and “logical” techniques; uses structured methodologies to ensure rigour in evaluating action and investment.
• Experience working in regulated industries and navigating the environment to maximise performance and value for all stakeholders.
• Proven skill in developing and nurturing team development.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £85,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 days with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car allowance.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous pension scheme through AON.
• Private medical health care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to cycle‑to‑work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know — we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.