At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational assurance and drive sustainable improvements across the organisation.
- Company: Wave Utilities, an inclusive employer with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing operational performance and resilience.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and strong data interpretation skills.
The predicted salary is between 70667 - 70667 £ per year.
The Head of Operational Assurance is a strategic, people‑led role responsible for strengthening operational performance, consistency and resilience across the organisation. The role acts as a bridge between data, operations and change – translating complex performance, risk and insight into clear actions, scalable processes and sustainable improvements. It leads large‑scale operational change, embeds robust controls and ways of working, and drives continuous improvement through strong cross‑functional collaboration.
Typical Day
- Ensuring operations perform safely, consistently and effectively, translating insight into meaningful improvement.
- Overseeing operational performance, risk, controls and emerging issues through data, assurance and business listening.
- Guiding conversations, challenging constructively and ensuring decisions are well‑informed and aligned to risk appetite.
- Embedding better ways of working, strengthening controls, and ensuring assurance findings lead to lasting outcomes.
- Working across operations, risk, change and leadership to turn complexity into clarity and action.
- Anticipating risks, pressures and impacts of change to keep operations resilient.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop three people leaders overseeing data integrity, account resolution and revenue assurance.
- Drive cross‑functional collaboration to deliver operational excellence.
- Embed robust controls and governance frameworks across the organisation.
- Translate data and assurance insight into actionable system improvements.
- Serve as an influence and liaison between operational and executive stakeholders.
Experience & Qualifications
- 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 who can challenge and engage executives constructively.
- Calm, resilient leader with strong judgement, integrity and outcomes‑focused mindset.
Benefits
- Wealth Benefits: Excellent pension scheme – double match up to 5% employee contribution. Bonus potential. Perkbox membership with savings across retailers, dining, travel and fitness. Income protection scheme. Personal accident insurance. 4× salary life assurance. Free onsite parking.
- Time Off: 24 days holiday rising to 26 days plus bank holidays. Birthday day off. Half a day off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Option to buy holidays. 1 day paid volunteering.
- Wellbeing Supports: 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. Resources available to employees and their families.
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourages applications from all backgrounds. Adjustments or individual requirements during the recruitment journey will be considered. If you require additional support, please contact Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk. Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Head of Operational Assurance in North East employer: Wave
Wave Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for meaningful impact through operational excellence, employees in Durham can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to sustainable improvements across the organisation.
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 people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operational assurance. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've driven operational change and improved processes in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring that expertise to the Head of Operational Assurance position!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the job.
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 the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves translating data into actionable insights, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into narratives!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a calm, resilient leader, so share stories that reflect your judgement and integrity. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and their approach to operational assurance. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operational Assurance, you'll be leading teams and driving change. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through complex changes or improved operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Since the role involves translating data into actionable insights, brush up on your data interpretation skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to identify issues and implement improvements. Bring specific examples that highlight your analytical abilities.
✨Engage and Influence
The ability to influence stakeholders is crucial for this role. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with executives and other departments to drive operational excellence and ensure alignment with risk appetite.
