Asset Standards Manager in Reading

Asset Standards Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 72000 - 96000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to set asset standards across design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
  • Company: Join the UK's largest water and wastewater company making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private health, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of water management while developing your career in a meaningful way.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Asset Management with experience in asset standards and team leadership.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 96000 ÂŁ per year.

We are looking for a strategic technical leader who will set the standards across the full asset lifecycle—covering design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning ensuring we meet our organisational goals and regulatory requirements.

You’ll lead a team of standards specialists and work hand‑in‑hand with Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to embed best practice and unlock performance and value in design, construction, operation and maintenance through implementation of optimal asset standards.

Key responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain lifecycle standards:
  • Design – define technical specs and design criteria for consistency and quality.
  • Operation – set operational protocols and performance benchmarks.
  • Maintenance – shape preventive/predictive strategies.
  • Decommissioning – create safe, efficient, cost‑effective retirement and disposal standards.
  • Provide technical leadership, collaborating with SMEs across Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to ensure standards meet business needs.
  • Track industry trends and regulatory change to keep us compliant and competitive.
  • Own the governance framework for asset standards, including creation, adoption and change control.
  • Lead a team of six standards specialists; set clear objectives and support their development.
  • Prepare and present compliance and standards reports to senior leaders and regulators.
  • Manage the Asset Standards team budget and deliver indirect cost savings across design, construction, operation and maintenance.
  • Requirements:

    • Must have a valid UK driving licence, as there will be site visits to meet job requirements.
    • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or related field (Master's preferred) and relevant professional certifications (e.g. CEng).
    • Demonstrable experience developing engineering or asset standards, or leading asset management, engineering design and/or maintenance.
    • Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, asset lifecycle principles, and relevant industry standards (e.g. ISO 55000).
    • A track record of leading technical teams and coordinating cross‑functional input.
    • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at pace.
    • Expertise in technical documentation and report writing; data‑driven decision‑making.
    • Strategic, systems‑thinking mindset with strengths in change management, continuous improvement, and risk & lifecycle awareness.
    • Confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders and external bodies/regulators.

    Additional skills and experiences would be great to bring:

    • Experience in regulated utilities (water or similar).
    • Experience embedding standards into capital delivery and day‑to‑day operations.

    What’s in it for you?

    • Competitive salary up to ÂŁ85,000 per annum, depending on experience.
    • 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
    • Car Allowance.
    • Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
    • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
    • Private Medical Health.
    • 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's water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

    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.

    Asset Standards Manager in Reading employer: Thames Water

    Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and rewarding work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and private medical health, we ensure our team feels valued and supported. Join us in our mission to build a sustainable future while enjoying meaningful career opportunities in a diverse and inclusive culture at our Clearwater Court location.
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    Contact Detail:

    Thames Water Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Asset Standards Manager in Reading

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their asset management practices and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your technical expertise and leadership skills clearly, as these are key for the Asset Standards Manager role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thames Water, where we’re all about making a difference together.

    We think you need these skills to ace Asset Standards Manager in Reading

    Technical Leadership
    Asset Lifecycle Management
    Regulatory Compliance
    Engineering Design Standards
    Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Strategies
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Data-Driven Decision-Making
    Change Management
    Continuous Improvement
    Risk Awareness
    Budget Management
    Report Writing
    Cross-Functional Coordination
    Strategic Thinking
    Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in asset management and engineering standards. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Asset Standards Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

    Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and collaborate across functions. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in developing and maintaining asset lifecycle standards.

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water

    ✨Know Your Standards Inside Out

    As an Asset Standards Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of asset lifecycle principles and relevant industry standards like ISO 55000. Brush up on these topics before your interview, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    You'll be leading a team of standards specialists, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've set clear objectives, supported team development, and fostered collaboration across departments. This will show that you're not just a technical expert but also a capable leader.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect to face questions about developing engineering or asset standards, as well as your approach to compliance and governance frameworks. Think through specific scenarios where you’ve successfully implemented standards or improved processes, and be ready to share those insights.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    Your role will involve presenting to senior leaders and regulators, so practice your communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in the past and how you plan to engage with them in this role. Clear, confident communication can set you apart from other candidates.

    Asset Standards Manager in Reading
    Thames Water
    Location: Reading

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