Economic Regulation Director in Bath

We are looking for an Economic Regulation Director to join us on a 6-month fixed-term contract! The main aspects of the role at this time will be pushing forward our investment plan for the next AMP, and the evidence and optioneering that goes into that (beyond just the economics of it, really). You will also be engaging with Defra / the regulators on reform and ensuring our views are well represented there.

What you'll do

• Responsible for the 5-year price control process, supporting the Director of Strategy and Regulation to negotiate the best possible deal with Ofwat to secure a financeable and sustainable business in the medium-term, with outcomes that are good for customers and good for Wessex.
• Leading the company's approach to charging and charging policy.
• Ensuring progressive, productive working relationships with all relevant regulators, policy makers, stakeholders and industry bodies and companies.
• Ensuring governance and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the long-term strategic direction of the business, including developing strategies and financial and operating targets to deliver wholesale services that maintain industry-leading performance into the future.
• Manage and ensure positive working relationships with regulators (e.g. Ofwat, CCW), policy makers (e.g. Defra), stakeholders (e.g. Local Govt and NGOs), Industry bodies (e.g. Water UK) and with colleagues at other companies.
• Understand and influence the progress of the Government's reform agenda, particularly in relation to issues linked to economic regulation, to ensure it delivers for customers and for Wessex.
• Direct the company's approach to income, charging and tariffs to maximise income and meet regulatory and legal requirements.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with our statutory and licence obligations concerning the economic regulator and relevant competition law, and act as a member of the company's Competition Team.
• Provide analysis and advice to the company management team for all areas of economic regulation that affect Wessex Water.
• Provide visible and inspirational leadership, driving improved company and group performance.

What you'll need

• A strong understanding of regulated environments, including dealing with regulators and wider stakeholders and with first-hand experience of business planning and regulated price controls.
• 5-10 years' experience working with senior executives and major stakeholders, including government bodies.
• A minimum of 5 years of long-term strategy development and implementation with planning horizons of 25 years.
• A proven ability to successfully lead, motivate and direct teams to achieve goals and achieve business outcomes.
• A strong interest in the professional/personal development of others.
• An ability to influence effectively at the executive level within the company.
• Sharp commercial acumen, intellect and seasoned professional in their field who is seen as a valued strategic advisor.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate views crisply and convincingly to a preferred course of action.
• Commitment to being part of, and leading a team committed to continuous improvement in an open and transparent environment.
• A professional and/or degree qualification in a related discipline or extensive business experience.
• Strong understanding of competition economics and law.
• Commercially orientated by nature, with experience likely gained through regulatory leadership or consulting.
• Project or programme management experience.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.