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
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like WICS!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategy position at WICS via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at WICS.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to WICS’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at WICS
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to WICS. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at WICS. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to WICS.
