Head of Engineering Services - Water

At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to our 16 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. We deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities, and the environment can thrive. We’re on a mission to shape the future of water for generations to come. Our AMP8 Business Plan (2025–2030) is our most ambitious yet, with a proposed £20 billion investment, more than double the last five-year period. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform water infrastructure across London and the Thames Valley, ensuring safe, high-quality water and a resilient network for the future.

You’ll have influence at the highest level, working across the organisation and engaging directly with senior leaders and directors. As our Head of Engineering Services - Water, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering this vision, transforming and growing our Engineering Services. You’ll lead and develop a talented team, drive innovation, and ensure our engineering services are at the heart of every project, making a real impact on the lives of millions.

What you’ll be doing as Head of Engineering Services - Water:

• Leading the delivery of core engineering services to Operations, Capital Programme, Asset Planning, and Retail.
• Acting as the primary gateway for the wider business and supply chain partners into the Chief Engineering function.
• Ensuring operational needs are met by working closely with senior engineering leaders and partners.
• Adopting a systems-thinking approach across the project lifecycle, from planning to handover and maintenance.
• Managing and coordinating internal and external engineering programme teams.
• Driving affordable, high-quality solutions that deliver real benefits for our customers and communities.
• Shaping the future of engineering at Thames Water, embedding transformation and new ways of working.
• Developing and growing a high-performing, inclusive team ready for the challenges of AMP8, AMP9, and beyond.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including regulators and local authorities.
• Championing a zero-compromise approach to health, safety, and wellbeing.

Base location: Clearwater Court, Reading (with flexible working options)

Working pattern or hours: Full-time, flexible working available

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Strategic leadership experience in engineering services, ideally within a regulated or infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrable ability to deliver continuous improvement and drive performance.
• Strong programme and project management skills.
• Experience working in a matrix environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• A talent for inspiring, coordinating, and empowering teams.
• Minimum of an honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related field.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Passion for continuous professional development and inclusivity in engineering.
• Awareness of operating in complex environments with political and media stakeholders.
• Formal professional recognition (e.g., CEng, CSci) or a relevant business degree (e.g., MBA).

What’s in it for you?

• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• 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.

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.