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 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 Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
Head of Operational Assurance in North East employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in the heart of Durham. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme, extensive holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the utility sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Assurance in North East
✨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 the company inside out, especially their operational strategies and recent achievements. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in operational assurance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven operational change or improved processes in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence and lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Assurance in North East
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 our mission at Wave, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant 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 candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and a calm, resilient mindset, so share stories that reflect these qualities. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can engage and influence effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic 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 performance indicators relevant to operational assurance and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a calm and resilient leader. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, especially in challenging situations. Think about times when you influenced change or guided teams through complex issues, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Wave prides itself on being customer-focused and inclusive. Familiarise yourself with their values and think about how your own approach aligns with their vision. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering value and efficiency.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Governance is a key aspect of this role. Anticipate questions around how you've previously led governance initiatives or managed risk. Have specific examples ready that illustrate your ability to challenge constructively and ensure alignment with risk appetite.
