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 impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, car allowance, and private medical health.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water management while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering and experience in asset management or engineering design.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive salary up to 85,000 per annum depending on experience.
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.
What you'll be doing as an Asset Standards Manager:
- 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.
Base location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB.
Working pattern/hours: 36 hours, Monday- Friday.
Requirements:
- Must have a valid UK driving license, as there will be site visits to meet job requirements.
What you should bring to the role:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (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 85,000 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.
Who are we?
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.
Learn more about our purpose and values.
Working at Thames Water:
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.
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.
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.
Asset Standards Manager - Reading, Berkshire in Sonning 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 competitive salaries, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and private medical health, and a strong commitment to employee development, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support. Located in Reading, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a dedicated team focused on sustainability and innovation in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Asset Standards Manager - Reading, Berkshire in Sonning
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals and standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. We can’t stress enough how important it is to feel confident and articulate when discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Asset Standards Manager - Reading, Berkshire in Sonning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Asset Standards Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in developing engineering standards and leading teams, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our strategic goals.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your expertise in technical documentation and report writing. Include specific examples of how you've influenced compliance and standards in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead our Asset Standards team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and achievements quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in asset lifecycle principles and relevant industry standards like ISO 55000. Brush up on your knowledge of regulatory requirements, as this will show that you understand the importance of compliance in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led technical teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss how you set objectives and supported team development, as this is crucial for the Asset Standards Manager position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to present compliance and standards reports to senior leaders, so being able to influence and engage stakeholders is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication style.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Research recent developments in the water and wastewater sector, especially those related to asset management and engineering design. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic mindset.
