At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational performance and drive sustainable improvements across the organisation.
- Company: Wave, a top national business water retailer with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and extensive perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to employee wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that shapes the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in operational assurance and strong data interpretation skills.
The predicted salary is between 70667 - 70667 € per year.
Location: contract base in Salvus House, Durham with hybrid working opportunities.
Salary: £70,667 plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 12% of annual salary.
Job level: B. Reporting to Director of Operations.
We support flexible, hybrid working with varying start and finish times where possible. Please discuss details with the hiring manager during the interview.
About Us
Wave is a leading national business water retailer serving over 300,000 customers across the UK. We help businesses lower water use, increase efficiency and reduce costs, and we have received the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, 2023 and 2025. Our vision is to be the most customer‐focused utility, delivering value and efficiency while creating a positive impact on the environment and society.
The role in a nutshell
The Head of Operational Assurance is a strategic, people‐led role responsible for strengthening operational performance, consistency and resilience across the organisation. The role translates complex performance, risk and insight into clear actions, scalable processes and sustainable improvements, leading large‐scale operational change, embedding controls, and driving continuous improvement through cross‐functional collaboration.
What will your typical day look like?
- Ensure the organisation's operations are performing safely, consistently and effectively, translating insight into meaningful improvement.
- Provide oversight and insight into operational performance, risk, controls and emerging issues through data, assurance and listening to the business.
- Lead governance, guiding conversations, challenging constructively and ensuring decisions align to risk appetite.
- Embed better ways of working, strengthen controls and ensure assurance findings lead to lasting outcomes.
- Influence and communicate across operations, risk, change and leadership to turn complexity into clarity and action.
- Future‐proof operations by anticipating risks, pressures and impacts of change.
What do we need from you?
- Senior operational leadership experience within complex, large‐scale environments.
- Strong background in operational assurance, risk, controls or governance.
- Ability to interpret data and assurance insight to identify systemic issues and priorities.
- Proven capability to drive and embed sustainable operational change.
- Confident influencer able to challenge and engage executives constructively.
- Calm, resilient leader with strong judgement, integrity and an outcomes‐focused mindset.
What's in it for you?
- Excellent pension scheme – double match up to 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave.
- Bonus potential.
- Perkbox membership with a wide range of perks, including high street savings, discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts, and online fitness classes.
- Income protection scheme.
- Personal accident insurance.
- Four‐times salary life assurance.
- Free onsite parking.
Time off
- 24 days holiday rising to 26, plus bank holidays.
- A day off for your birthday.
- Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
- Option to buy holidays.
- One day paid volunteering.
Wellbeing
- Hybrid/flexible working.
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Annual conference and Christmas party.
- 24/7 employee assistance programme.
- Free flu shots.
Family friendly
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave.
We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to you and your family.
Equity and inclusion
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will consider any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you need additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity or any other reason, please let us know by contacting Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
Head of Operational Assurance in Bath employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With a strong commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, employees benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including a generous pension scheme, bonus potential, and numerous perks through Perkbox. Located in Durham, the role of Head of Operational Assurance not only provides the opportunity to lead impactful change but also fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Assurance in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Operational Assurance role. 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 those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in Wave and its mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational change and improved performance in past roles. This will demonstrate your capability and align with what they're looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Wave team and contributing to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Assurance in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational assurance and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since the role involves interpreting data and driving improvements, include examples of how you've used data to influence decisions or enhance operational performance. We love seeing numbers that tell a story!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and approach to challenges. It helps us get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of operational assurance, risk management, and governance. Brush up on the latest trends in these areas, especially how they relate to large-scale environments. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior operational leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully led change or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can influence and engage executives constructively, as this is key for the Head of Operational Assurance role.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since the role involves interpreting data and assurance insights, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to identify issues and drive improvements. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to turn complex information into actionable strategies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the company's approach to operational performance and risk management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company’s values align with yours. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with the interviewers!
