Hybrid Regulatory & Compliance Specialist in Leeds

Water Utility Company based in the Yorkshire region of England. We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience up to £65,000 (band 3b) and a company car lease/allowance scheme (£500 per month/£6,000 per year, based on full-time employment on joining the company). You can opt to sign up to the EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme 6 months after joining the company. Annual incentive related bonus (up to 10% of annual salary, increasing to 15% in the 26 to 27 performance year). Private health care (self only) and an attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution). Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an extra wellness day! A great benefits package includes a 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 - Hybrid Working (averaging 2-3 days in the office a week Bradford/Leeds). Work type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

At Yorkshire Water, we are shaping the future of regulation in one of the UK’s most important and rapidly evolving sectors. As environmental and customer expectations grow, investment increases and regulatory frameworks continue to develop, we are expanding our Regulation team and recruiting across a number of specialist regulatory disciplines. These roles offer the opportunity to influence key business decisions, work closely with regulators and stakeholders, and help ensure we deliver the best outcomes for customers, communities and the environment.

The Regulatory Specialist supports Yorkshire Water in understanding, implementing and complying with economic regulation across the full regulatory framework. Acting as a key interface between Ofwat requirements and internal teams, the role provides regulatory insight, guidance and challenge to ensure compliance and management of regulatory risk, and supports effective decision-making. With a particular focus on Price Control Deliverables (PCDs), Performance Commitments (PCs) and Price Review activities, this role translates complex regulatory requirements into practical business actions that help deliver positive outcomes for customers and the environment.

The Regulatory Specialist Major Projects / DPC plays a critical role in supporting Yorkshire Water’s major infrastructure investment programme. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements relating to Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC), major capital projects and strategic water resource schemes, including RAPID. Working closely with Capital Delivery, Commercial, Finance and Strategy teams, the role provides regulatory oversight, challenge and assurance to ensure projects are developed, procured and delivered in line with regulatory expectations while maximising value for customers and managing commercial and regulatory risk.

The Regulatory Specialist (Stakeholder Engagement) supports Yorkshire Water’s transition to a more supervisory and customer-focused regulatory model. The role leads engagement with the Yorkshire Forum for Water Customers, ensures compliance with Ofwat’s Consumer Involvement Rule, and helps embed customer voices within business planning and decision-making. Working closely with regulators, stakeholders and internal teams, this role provides regulatory insight, manages submissions and reporting requirements, and helps shape future regulatory strategy through effective engagement, assurance and collaboration.

The Regulatory Specialist (Environmental Regulation) provides specialist expertise to help Yorkshire Water understand, interpret and comply with environmental regulation and legislation, especially in light of the transition to a new regulator and evolving regulatory expectations. Acting as a bridge between regulators and operational teams, the role translates complex environmental requirements into clear guidance and actions, helping the business deliver its environmental commitments while preparing for future change. The role also supports regulatory engagement, policy development and strategic planning, ensuring Yorkshire Water remains at the forefront of environmental compliance, performance and innovation.

Together, these opportunities offer the chance to influence the future of the water industry, work on high-profile regulatory challenges and help create a thriving Yorkshire that is right for customers, communities and the environment.

As our Regulatory Specialist you will:

• Lead regulatory oversight of new and evolving obligations, ensuring compliance with licence conditions, Ofwat determinations, industry codes and regulatory frameworks.
• Interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into clear, practical guidance, actions and controls that support business compliance and decision-making.
• Support governance, assurance and regulatory risk management activities, including compliance assessments, control frameworks and audit readiness.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure regulatory considerations are embedded early in project development, market activities and business planning and to act as a trusted regulatory advisor across the company.
• Support the preparation of Price Review submissions, regulatory returns, data requests and assurance materials, ensuring high-quality and compliant outputs.
• Promote integrated team working, strong health and safety performance, robust financial and commercial management, and a continuous focus on delivering sustainable business performance and regulatory excellence.

Strong understanding of Ofwat’s regulatory framework, including price controls, Performance Commitments (PCs), Outcome Delivery Incentives (ODIs) and Price Control Deliverables (PCDs), with the ability to apply complex regulatory requirements across a range of business activities. Experience working in a regulatory, policy or compliance role, preferably within the water sector or another regulated industry, with a sound understanding of regulatory obligations and governance. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of interpreting data, assessing risks, identifying trends and producing evidence-based recommendations with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to produce clear, structured and persuasive regulatory submissions, consultation responses, reports and briefing materials, while translating complex information into practical business insights. Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate inputs from a range of stakeholders and deliver high-quality outputs to demanding deadlines. Strategic mindset with experience contributing to business plans, regulatory submissions and long-term planning, with the ability to anticipate emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities. Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools, including advanced Excel skills, with high personal integrity and the confidence to challenge constructively, influence decision-making and ensure the business meets its regulatory obligations ethically and effectively. Experience supporting price reviews, regulatory submissions, performance frameworks, or compliance activities is desirable. Degree in a relevant field (e.g. economics, law, public policy, engineering or environmental science with a regulatory focus). Additional training or certification in regulation, compliance or project management is an advantage. Awareness of how regulatory strategy functions in other sectors, especially learning from best practices in highly regulated fields.

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. If you’ve got experience as a Regulatory Specialist 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.

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. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.