At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape Scotland's water industry strategy and lead impactful policy development.
- Company: WICS, a key public body influencing Scotland's water services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth without relocating to London.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public policy and the water sector.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in public policy or regulation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 € per year.
Do you want to make a difference in an interesting and important sector?
About the job
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) is looking for an outstanding strategic thinker to join us as Head of Strategy. This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of public policy and regulation, in a role that blends analytical depth, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning. You’ll join a close-knit, values-driven team in our Stirling office with the flexibility to work from home part of the week.
What you’ll be doing
The Head of Strategy plays a pivotal role in delivering our flagship Strategic Review of Charges, which sets the regulatory framework for customer pricing, investment, and service standards across Scotland’s water industry. In this role, you will:
- Shape the long‑term direction of the Strategic Review of Charges
- Lead WICS’s approach to horizon scanning, policy development and customer research
- Represent WICS on high‑level advisory groups and in cross‑government forums
- Work closely with the Director of Pricing and senior leadership team to ensure coherence and impact
- Build strategic relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and the customer voice
- Collaborate with analysts and economists to ensure our regulation is robust, transparent, and forward‑looking
Who we’re looking for
We’re interested in people who bring clarity to complexity and have a track record of strategic delivery in a public, regulatory, or analytical environment. You will need:
- Excellent analytical and policy development skills
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Experience in economic regulation, public policy, or strategic consultancy
- The confidence to engage senior stakeholders with credibility and tact
- A mindset grounded in public value, fairness, and future thinking
We also value (but do not require):
- Experience working with or within regulated utilities
- Knowledge of customer research, behavioural insight, or public engagement
About us
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) is the independent economic regulator of the Scottish water industry. We are a non‑departmental public body accountable to the Scottish Parliament, with a small but highly skilled team committed to fairness, transparency, and long‑term thinking. We operate with a clear sense of purpose, guided by the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Our current Corporate Plan is focused on enabling long‑term value for customers while supporting the Scottish Government’s ambition for a flourishing and sustainable water sector.
A strong culture of inclusion, learning and integrity
The chance to shape long‑term policy in a sector that matters
A supportive and intellectually curious team environment
A rare opportunity to grow your influence in public service without needing to relocate to London
Eligibility to work in the UK
All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK at the time of employment.
Equal opportunities
We welcome applications from candidates who have a disability and who satisfy the basic criteria. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process, please contact us at recruitment@wics.scot.
Apply now
We welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds who are passionate about driving better outcomes through evidence, rigour, and public purpose. Please submit a one-page CV along with a one-page cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience meet the criteria for this role to recruitment@wics.scot. Applications close on 11 March 2026 at midnight.
Head of Strategy in Stirling employer: WICS
At the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape public policy in the vital water sector. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and intellectual curiosity, while our hybrid working model provides flexibility to balance professional and personal commitments. Join us in Stirling to make a meaningful impact, grow your influence in public service, and contribute to a sustainable future for Scotland's water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy in Stirling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water industry or public policy sectors. Use LinkedIn to connect with current employees at WICS and ask for informational chats. It’s all about making those connections that can help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into WICS's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about shaping Scotland’s water industry. Bring your A-game with examples of how you've tackled complex strategic challenges before.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission-driven team at WICS.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it reflects your passion for the role and how your experience aligns with WICS's mission. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the Head of Strategy position.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, don’t shy away from highlighting specific examples where you've successfully tackled complex problems. We want to see how you bring clarity to complexity!
Tailor Your CV:Your CV should be a reflection of your journey. Focus on relevant experiences that demonstrate your strategic delivery in public policy or regulatory environments. Make it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at WICS!
How to prepare for a job interview at WICS
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into WICS's mission and recent projects. Understand the current challenges in the water industry and be ready to discuss how your strategic thinking can address these issues.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical and policy development skills. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've tackled complex problems and delivered strategic solutions in a public or regulatory context.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience in building relationships with senior stakeholders. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate your ability to engage with credibility and tact, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Emphasise Public Value
WICS values fairness and future thinking. Be sure to articulate how your mindset aligns with these principles. Discuss how you’ve previously contributed to public value and how you plan to do so in this role.
