At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting commercial projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a vital service provider in the beautiful Yorkshire region.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50622 - 63277 £ per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:
- We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£50,622 to £63,277)
- Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Development opportunities in line with the progression plan
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an extra 2 wellness days!
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- A great benefits package choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: This role will initially be based in Bradford but we are moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future (1 office day a week).
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday working rolling 4-day week to core hours. You will need to participate in an out of normal working hours stand by call out rota and be flexible to work outside of core hours.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Programme Lead to join the Commercial Assurance function at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Commercial Assurance function are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.
To lead the commercial transformational programme including projects from inception to completion, ensuring delivery within budget, on time, and in compliance with contractual obligations. The role bridges project delivery and commercial assurance, driving value, managing risk, and ensuring robust governance. The Commercial Programme Lead will develop strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations and effective project delivery.
Where you fit in: As our Commercial Programme Lead you will:
- Manage a cost intelligence programme of individual projects (Cost Intelligence Dashboards) that are designed to provide commercial cost assurance confirming that supplier payments are in line with commercial agreements.
- Ensure commercial project (cost intelligence dashboard/system) pipeline is managed to time, cost, and quality.
- Take a leading role in organising and facilitating the Commercial Governance Forum, tracking key decisions to drive sustainable business outcomes.
- Collaborate with internal teams e.g., legal, finance, procurement, operational delivery.
- Ensure that programme/project risks, issues and dependencies are managed in line with business targets and that any opportunities are realised to improve performance.
- Accountable for accurate forecasting and reporting of key project information to programme level reports and governing boards.
- Be a leader, confident and assertive, whilst maintaining a can-do attitude to problem solving and directing the wider project resources.
- Responsible for developing strong excellent working relationships with key stakeholders.
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Highly organised and detail-focused, with a strong commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work
- Confident managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and thriving in a fast-paced environment
- Experienced in managing complex projects or programmes, with the ability to drive delivery through to completion
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a natural ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive change
- Strong commercial awareness, with a solid understanding of procurement processes including sourcing, contract management, negotiation, and supplier relationships
- Analytical and solutions-focused, using data and insight to inform decisions and deliver results
- A collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships and works effectively across functions
- Adaptable and resilient, able to respond to changing priorities while maintaining focus and performance
- Skilled at stakeholder management, with the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships both internally and externally
You will also benefit from having:
- Experience of managing transformational programmes in large organisations.
- Qualified in change management practices or Project Management disciplines.
- Previous experience gained within the water or utility industry.
- Knowledge and understanding of commercial governance and the requirements of policy, procedure and processes and the impact on the business.
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!
If you’ve got experience as a Commercial Programme Lead and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
Closing date for this role is the 3rd June 2026.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.
All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
No agencies please.
Commercial Programme Lead in Humber employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes an attractive pension scheme and generous annual leave. With a strong commitment to employee development and a flexible work culture, we empower our team members to thrive both professionally and personally, all while contributing to the vital service of providing clean and safe water to millions in the Yorkshire region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Programme Lead in Humber
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water industry, especially those at Yorkshire Water. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Yorkshire Water's recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Commercial Programme Lead. Be ready to impress us with your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Programme Lead in Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Programme Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing complex projects and your understanding of commercial governance. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage multiple priorities and drive delivery. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is confident, assertive, and has a can-do attitude. Share your passion for the water industry and how you can contribute to our mission at Yorkshire Water.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Yorkshire Water's mission and values. Understand their role in the community and how they manage water resources. This will help you connect your experience as a Commercial Programme Lead to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of complex projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to deliver on time and within budget, especially in fast-paced environments. Use metrics to demonstrate your success!
✨Build Relationships
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, prepare to talk about how you've built strong relationships in previous positions. Share stories that illustrate your collaborative approach and how it led to successful project outcomes.
✨Be Adaptable and Resilient
Expect questions about how you handle changing priorities and challenges. Prepare examples that showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure situations. This will show you're the right fit for their dynamic environment.
