Associate Director / Director Utilities Transformation & Major Projects Sector: Utilities Water, Electricity & Gas We are seeking an experienced senior project and programme leader to take a key role in the delivery of major transformation, operational improvement and capital investment initiatives across the utilities sector. This is an opportunity to work on complex, high-profile programmes within water, electricity and gas, helping organisations respond to changing regulatory requirements, infrastructure investment, digital transformation and evolving customer and operational demands. The role would suit someone who has built significant experience within the utilities sector and is comfortable operating at senior stakeholder level while remaining close enough to programme delivery to drive outcomes. The Role You will lead complex projects and programmes across the utilities sector, working with senior leadership teams, delivery partners, regulators and other key stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include: Leading major utilities projects and transformation programmes from initial strategy and mobilisation through to implementation and delivery. Providing senior leadership across complex, multi-disciplinary programmes involving internal teams, contractors, delivery partners and third parties. Establishing effective programme governance, delivery plans, reporting structures, financial controls and assurance processes. Managing programme risks, dependencies, issues and critical delivery milestones. Supporting major transformation initiatives covering areas such as operational improvement, digital transformation, infrastructure modernisation and organisational change. Advising senior stakeholders on programme strategy, delivery models and approaches to complex capital and operational investment. Reviewing existing operating models and processes and helping design improved future-state solutions. Using data and industry insight to identify challenges, opportunities and areas for improvement. Facilitating senior stakeholder workshops, programme boards and strategic planning sessions. Building strong relationships with executives, regulators, industry bodies and delivery partners. At this level, you will also play an important role in identifying new opportunities across the utilities market, developing existing relationships and supporting the growth of key accounts. About You We are particularly interested in speaking with experienced project, programme and transformation leaders who have spent a significant part of their career working within utilities, energy or infrastructure environments. You are likely to have: 8+ years' experience for Associate Director level or 10+ years' experience for Director level. Significant experience within water, electricity, gas or closely related utilities infrastructure. A strong track record of leading large-scale projects, programmes or transformation initiatives. Experience managing complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders, delivery partners and third parties. Strong knowledge of programme governance, financial management, risk, dependencies and delivery assurance. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through complex delivery environments. Exposure to strategic transformation, operational improvement, digital change or major capital investment programmes. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to operate effectively with senior executives and C-Suite stakeholders. Experience working with regulators, government bodies or wider industry stakeholders would be advantageous. Previous involvement in developing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, tenders or major programme bids. Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills. A degree in business, engineering or a related discipline would be beneficial, alongside relevant project or programme management qualifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or APM, although practical delivery experience will be considered equally important. Why Consider This Opportunity? The role provides the opportunity to work across some of the most significant challenges currently facing the utilities sector, including infrastructure investment, regulatory change, operational resilience, digitalisation and the transition towards more sustainable operating models. You will have significant autonomy, visibility with senior stakeholders and the opportunity to influence how major programmes are structured and delivered. We are open to candidates who may not meet every requirement listed above. Strong utilities knowledge, leadership capability and evidence of successfully delivering complex programmes will be the key considerations. Skills: Project Management Project Manager Project utilities TPBN1_NI
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Sphere Recruitment Specialists Recruitment Team
