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- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes that shape the future of Thames Water.
- Company: Join the UK's largest water and wastewater company, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful journey, driving change and innovation in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex transformation projects and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth await you.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are embarking on a major transformation journey, with high-quality asset data forming a cornerstone of our future success. The Principal Transformation Manager will be accountable for the successful delivery of Thames Water’s most critical business programmes, ensuring operational resilience, improved performance, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. This role also involves providing strategic support to business unit Directors, driving the achievement of key business outcomes. If you are motivated by complex delivery challenges, senior-level influence, and making a meaningful impact, now is an exciting time to join our team.
What you’ll be doing as a Principal Transformation Manager:
- Oversee programme strategy, mobilisation, and delivery to ensure readiness for critical business milestones.
- Act as the single point of accountability for programme performance, reporting, and the realisation of benefits.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, motivating colleagues and fostering a culture of purpose and collaboration.
- Partner closely with Directors, programme sponsors, and senior stakeholders across core business functions.
- Manage programme interdependencies and align them with the broader transformation portfolio.
- Embed best-in-class methodologies, governance, and commercial thinking into all aspects of programme delivery.
- Influence and inspire teams to embrace new working practices, driving continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
Working pattern: Full-time
Travel requirements: Ability to travel within Thames Water’s catchment area as required.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in delivering complex transformation or business-critical programmes, ideally within utilities, infrastructure, or regulated sectors.
- Ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing teams across multiple disciplines and functions.
- Advanced stakeholder management skills, including the ability to engage and influence senior leaders and Directors.
- Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to challenging assumptions and achieving clarity in objectives.
- Passion for driving continuous improvement and embedding innovative practices that deliver measurable benefits.
- Expertise in organisational change management, including effective communication, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop effective solutions aligned to business needs.
- Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed to support programme delivery both on-site and remotely.
All applications will need to include a covering letter highlighting your experience in customer-focused operational change and provide examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver complex programmes, lead or support teams, influence senior stakeholders, and drive transformation in dynamic environments.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary from £85,000 to £100,000 per annum.
- Annual Leave - 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. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.
Why choose us? Learn more. 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.
Principal Transformation Manager in Reading employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Transformation Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Transformation Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thames Water’s recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their transformation journey and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve led complex programmes and influenced senior stakeholders. This will help you stand out as someone who can drive real change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Transformation Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in customer-focused operational change and provide specific examples of how you've delivered complex programmes. We want to see your passion for transformation, so let it show!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send the same CV for every application. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Transformation Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear you’re the perfect fit for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Transformation Manager, leading high-performing teams is key. In your application, share stories that demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire others. We love seeing how you’ve built collaborative cultures in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Thames Water's current transformation programmes. Understand their goals, challenges, and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate colleagues and foster collaboration, as this is crucial for the Principal Transformation Manager role.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
Prepare to demonstrate your advanced stakeholder management skills. Think of instances where you've influenced senior leaders or navigated complex relationships. This will show that you can effectively partner with Directors and sponsors at Thames Water.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Thames Water values innovation and continuous improvement. Be prepared to share examples of how you've embedded new practices in previous roles. Discuss the measurable benefits these changes brought, showcasing your passion for driving transformation.
