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 excellent career growth and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that shapes operational excellence.
- 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?
Wealth
- 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.
Head of Operational Assurance employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Durham with hybrid working opportunities. Employees benefit from a comprehensive pension scheme, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on wellbeing, including healthcare support and family-friendly policies. With a commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, Wave fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Assurance
✨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 those interviews! Research Wave thoroughly, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with the Head of Operational Assurance role. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven operational change and improved processes in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Wave.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operational Assurance role. Highlight your senior operational leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Wave. We want to see how your skills can help us strengthen operational performance!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven sustainable operational change in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve improved efficiency or reduced costs, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex ideas, as this reflects the clarity we value in our operations. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can turn complexity into clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Wave!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Operational Assurance, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to interpret data effectively. Brush up on key metrics related to operational performance and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a calm and resilient leader. Think about examples from your experience where you've successfully led teams through change or challenges. Prepare to share how you influence and engage with executives, as this will be crucial in your discussions.
✨Understand Wave's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Wave's mission to be the most customer-focused utility. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals of efficiency and positive environmental impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think of scenarios where you've had to challenge decisions constructively or embed sustainable changes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
