At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of economists to provide economic insights for strategic decision-making.
- Company: Scottish Water, committed to serving Scotland with integrity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 38 days holiday, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and influence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water regulation and investment decisions at a national level.
- Qualifications: Master’s in Economics and experience in regulatory economics required.
The predicted salary is between 69247 - 86887 £ per year.
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland. Scottish Water is looking for an experienced and influential Regulatory Economics Manager to lead a specialist team of economists and provide rigorous economic insight that supports Scottish Water’s regulatory obligations and long‑term strategic decision‑making.
In this pivotal leadership role you will help the business understand, demonstrate and communicate value, efficiency and affordability, while supporting effective investment decisions that deliver for customers across Scotland. You will sit at the heart of Strategy & Regulation and play a key part in shaping how Scottish Water responds to the requirements of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) and how robust economic evidence is embedded across business planning, investment prioritisation and performance frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage a high‑performing team of economists, recruiting, coaching, mentoring and building capability within the specialist team.
- Oversee analysis of efficiency and performance, preparing robust evidence for regulatory submissions.
- Present complex economic reasoning clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide rigorous economic input and challenge to support longer‑term planning and policy development, including work on supply and demand balance, surface water management and the future of charging for services.
- Collaborate with the Business Economics Manager to develop, test and implement pragmatic cost‑benefit analysis tools and costing approaches that support sound investment decision‑making, from long‑term strategic assessments through to project‑level decisions.
- Ensure economic insight is understood, trusted and used across the business, building strong relationships, influencing key decision‑making forums, and helping colleagues apply economic tools and analysis in a practical and proportionate way.
- Jointly account for managing a significant consultancy budget, ensuring external support delivers value for money and aligns with agreed priorities.
Qualifications
- Significant professional experience in economics, with strong regulatory economics expertise and the ability to apply economic reasoning to real‑world commercial and strategic decisions.
- Master’s‑level qualification in Economics, or equivalent depth of study.
- Track record of delivering high‑quality analysis in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
- Experience of recruiting, coaching, mentoring and developing economists, building capability within a specialist team.
- Strong stakeholder‑management and communication skills, with the ability to explain economic insight and challenge clearly, concisely and persuasively to senior decision‑makers and non‑specialist audiences.
- Evidence of developing and implementing technical economic analysis such as econometric analysis of cost efficiency, cost‑benefit analysis and costing methodologies, and shaping approaches that support strategic and investment decisions.
- Experience of working in, or alongside, a regulated or infrastructure‑based environment is highly desirable.
What the role is offering
- Competitive salary starting at £69,247, with the potential to advance to £86,887 based on consistent out‑performance.
- Full‑time role (35 hours per week) with flexible working hours and a balanced hybrid model.
- 38 days holiday each year, including public holidays, with the option to buy up to five additional days.
- Family‑friendly policies covering adoption, maternity and parental leave, and a flexible approach to everyday work.
- Defined benefit pension and generous life assurance.
- Annual company bonus and access to the SW Splash rewards programme.
- Opportunity to influence Scottish Water’s approach to regulation, investment and long‑term decision‑making at a national level.
- Support for major life events and a commitment to work health and safety, including mandatory drug & alcohol testing in line with policy.
Regulatory Economics Manager employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to family-friendly policies, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on Scotland's water services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regulatory Economics Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Scottish Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Scottish Water's recent projects and regulatory challenges. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the company’s mission and how we can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating complex economic concepts in simple terms. We need to demonstrate our ability to communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialists during interviews, so let’s keep it clear and concise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills align with the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Regulatory Economics Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in regulatory economics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Regulatory Economics Manager, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your experience in coaching and mentoring economists. Share specific examples of how you've built capability within teams in the past.
Communicate Clearly:We’re looking for someone who can present complex economic concepts clearly. In your written application, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid jargon where possible and make it easy for us to understand your insights and reasoning.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Scottish Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your Economics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your regulatory economics knowledge. Be prepared to discuss complex economic concepts and how they apply to real-world scenarios, especially in the context of Scottish Water's operations. This will show that you can provide the rigorous economic insight they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team of economists, be ready to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've recruited, coached, and developed talent in the past. Highlighting your ability to build a high-performing team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
Practice explaining complex economic reasoning in simple terms. You’ll need to present your insights to both specialists and non-specialists, so demonstrating your communication skills is key. Use examples from your previous roles where you successfully influenced decision-making through clear communication.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve influenced key decision-makers or collaborated with other teams. This will show that you understand the importance of stakeholder management in a regulated environment.
