Regulatory Economist - Incentives Lead

Closing Date

Job Title: Regulatory Economist – Incentives Lead

Location: Hybrid working with flexibility to be based within the region with occasional travel to Southern Water offices and industry/regulatory meetings as required.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Our full-time employees work 37 hours Monday-Friday but we also welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements.

Salary: Up to c£75,000, commensurate to experience and qualifications.

About the role

We're looking for a Regulatory Economist - Incentives Lead to join Southern Water's Economic Regulation team at a pivotal time for both the water sector and the wider regulatory landscape.

This is a highly influential role focused on Ofwat's incentive framework, regulatory policy and the development of Southern Water's approach to future price reviews. You'll provide expert economic analysis and thought leadership that helps shape business decisions, optimise regulatory outcomes, and ensure we maximise long-term value for customers and shareholders.

Working closely with senior leaders across the business, you'll translate complex regulatory frameworks into practical commercial and operational decisions. You'll play a key role in understanding and influencing evolving regulatory methodologies, supporting future business planning, and helping Southern Water navigate one of the most significant periods of regulatory reform the industry has seen.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced economist who enjoys combining analytical rigour with strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and real-world business impact.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading all analysis and advice relating to Ofwat's incentive mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and price review methodologies.
• Providing expert economic insight to support regulatory strategy, policy development and business planning activities.
• Supporting the development of Southern Water's future price review submissions and business plans.
• Analysing Ofwat consultations, investigations, licence mechanisms and regulatory developments.
• Translating complex regulatory and economic concepts into clear, practical guidance for stakeholders across the business.
• Helping ensure business decisions appropriately reflect regulatory obligations and opportunities.
• Identifying opportunities to optimise Southern Water's position within regulatory frameworks and incentive mechanisms.
• Developing thought leadership through analysis of regulatory trends, industry developments and emerging economic approaches.
• Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, consultants and industry peers.
• Providing economic modelling, forecasting and analytical support to inform strategic business decisions.
• Supporting wider economic regulation activities during key regulatory reporting and business planning periods.
• Presenting complex analysis and recommendations to senior stakeholders in a clear and compelling way.
• Leading the development of Southern Water’s approach to risk and return, shaping the company’s strategy for PR29 and future regulatory frameworks.
• Help build Southern Water’s capability in risk, using economic analysis to support regulatory engagement and influence the evolution towards supervision.

What you’ll bring to the role:

Essential

• Degree in Economics or a closely related discipline.
• Experience working within a regulated sector such as water, energy, rail, telecommunications or a similar regulatory environment.
• Strong understanding of economic regulation, incentive frameworks and regulatory mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear business insights.

Desirable

• Experience of Ofwat regulation, price reviews or water sector economics.
• Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in Economics or a related field.
• Experience developing regulatory policy, consultation responses or business plan submissions.
• Experience applying economic modelling or quantitative analysis to support commercial or regulatory decision-making.

About Southern Water

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.