Asset Health & Risk Lead - Reading, Berkshire

Exciting opportunity alert! Join our team as we tackle the challenges of an ageing asset base and evolving network demands for some of our biggest, most critical water and wastewater infrastructure. We're trying to improve the health of our assets with a stable and targeted approach. Historical performance isn't a reliable future indicator, so we're seeking better ways to manage asset health and associated risks.

Our Asset Strategy and Planning team seeks individuals to drive investment for key critical asset cohorts in water and wastewater functions. Your role will involve developing medium to long-term plans, collaborating with Operational and Engineering teams, and setting out replacement strategies to ensure long-term asset health and system resilience.

Are you ready to make a difference in asset management and system reliability? Join us in shaping the future of our water and wastewater infrastructure.

What you’ll be doing as an Asset Health & Risk Lead:

• Develop an understanding of the underlying asset health and system resilience of several asset cohorts and use this insight to identify the activities needed to balance cost, risk and performance.
• Work collaboratively across Thames Water with teams such as System Planning, Operations, Engineering, Strategy and Regulation and Health and Safety to gather insight, inform decisions and establish a sustainable and robust strategic planning approach that proactively improves the health of our assets.
• Provide strategic direction to System Planners to embed the foundations of asset health into their regions.
• Define and implement asset health metrics and risk assessment frameworks that inform long-term plans and proactive capital maintenance programmes, accounting for the effects of asset deterioration and maintenance interventions.
• Assist in the production of strategies for each asset cohort.
• Input into the investment plans for the Periodic Price Reviews, ensuring the appropriate level of investment to offset deterioration and improve performance.
• Adopt best practice frameworks (consistent with ISO 55000 standards) as part of our overarching Asset Management System.
• Monitor, assure, and regularly review asset health plans to ensure they are embedded, deliverable, and sustainable for long-term risk management.

This role will be based at Clearwater Court, Hybrid. You will be required in the office and on-site as the needs of the business and your roles require you to.

What you should bring to the role:

• A background in Asset Management or Engineering (Degree or extensive experience).
• A knowledge of asset management principles and techniques, and an understanding of the regulatory landscape in which we operate.
• Logical thinker with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Act as a subject matter expert for your asset cohorts to ensure we have the right balance of long- and short-term investment choices.
• Engage and liaise across the business and the broader industry to understand and apply best practices and emerging technologies for assessing and maintaining healthy assets.
• Interpret complex data and make recommendations using your strong communication, influencing, negotiation and analytical skills.

Nice-to-haves that would make you stand out:

• Previous experience and knowledge of the UK water industry and management systems are desirable.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of £45,800- £54,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• 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.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

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.

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.