GIS Product Owner - Reading, Berkshire

Do you have a passion for geospatial data and a talent for driving digital product excellence? Are you ready to lead the development and improvement of GIS tools that support operational performance across a major utility business? We’re looking for a GIS Product Owner to champion the quality and effectiveness of our geospatial asset data and digital tools.

As part of our digital transformation journey, we’re currently upgrading our ESRI GIS system to a new Utility Network Model, which will make it easier to manage and understand how our assets are connected and perform across the network. You’ll support the development of GIS products, influence stakeholders, and help embed best practices in geospatial data management. This role will have a significant impact on how we manage our assets, deliver services, and drive business value.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the day-to-day product backlog for GIS tools and collaborating with development teams to deliver enhancements.
• Working closely with the other Product Owners to enable the delivery of the Utility Network Model in line with business requirements.
• Acting as a super user and subject matter expert for asset and work master data in geospatial products.
• Collaborating with other product owners to ensure geospatial data supports wider digital products and legal obligations (e.g., NUAR, Digdat).
• Driving improvements in data quality and business value through data model and process changes.
• Drive data migration and data cleansing to support the UNM Data Model Upgrade.
• Supporting stakeholders with data queries, incident resolution, and implementation of product changes.
• Defining asset data requirements, data quality criteria, and assurance processes.
• Supporting the development of a centre of expertise in asset and work master data management.

This role is hybrid, with 2 days a week based in Reading, RG1 8DB. There will be occasional travel required to meet stakeholders based at different sites.

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership in GIS and data management, a background in digital product ownership, and a passion for delivering value through high-quality geospatial data. To be successful, you’ll need:

• Expert knowledge of the ESRI GIS application landscape.
• Strong experience in product ownership, backlog management, and agile delivery methodologies.
• Proven ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional development teams to translate business needs into clear, actionable technical requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ESRI GIS network models and integration with enterprise platforms such as SAP and Salesforce (desirable).
• Domain knowledge within the Water Utilities sector (desirable).
• Demonstrated stakeholder management and influencing capabilities across technical and business audiences.
• Experience in defining and enforcing data design standards, governance frameworks, and data quality assurance processes.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to leverage data to drive measurable business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

This role will be paid from £59,205 to £65,000 per annum depending on skills and experience. Annual leave: 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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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.

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.