At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and ensure compliance across Developer Services at Yorkshire Water.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a vital service provider in the beautiful Yorkshire region.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, wellness days, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to help you balance work and life.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while supporting communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or regulation with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 44846 - 56058 £ per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience £44,846 -£56,058 (band 4b).
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 Policy Manager progression plan.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus 2 extra 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 September 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future - Hybrid Working (3 days office a week Bradford/Leeds).
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Manager to join the Developer Services team 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. Developer Services are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.
To provide policy leadership for Developer Services, ensuring company policy, regulatory requirements and industry obligations are translated into clear guidance, standards and decision-making frameworks. The role supports the function by interpreting policy impacts, resolving ambiguity and ensuring the business applies policy consistently across operational, commercial and customer-facing activities. It acts as the bridge between strategy, regulation and practical delivery. This role stays connected with wider industry movements and ensures Yorkshire Water stays ahead of future policy changes. Manages the Developer Services risk register and the business continuity plan.
Where you fit in: As our Policy Manager you will:
- Lead the interpretation and application of policy across Developer Services, ensuring operational and commercial decisions align with company standards, regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
- Own the development, maintenance and communication of Developer Services policy positions, ensuring guidance remains current, clear and accessible to stakeholders.
- Act as the subject matter expert for policy queries, escalations and areas of ambiguity, providing consistent advice and supporting informed decision-making.
- Assess the impact of regulatory, legislative and policy changes, translating requirements into practical recommendations, actions and guidance for the business.
- Work collaboratively with operational, commercial, compliance and customer teams to embed policy requirements into processes, controls and ways of working.
- Support governance, assurance, consultation and audit activities by providing policy expertise, interpretation and supporting evidence where required.
- Identify policy gaps, risks, inconsistencies and improvement opportunities, driving corrective actions to strengthen compliance, efficiency and operational performance.
- Own and maintain the Developer Services risk register and business continuity plan, ensuring risks are effectively managed, monitored and mitigated to support resilient service delivery.
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Experience working in policy, regulation, governance or operational assurance environments, with the ability to provide clear and practical guidance.
- Strong understanding of regulated business environments and the importance of policy compliance, governance and control frameworks.
- Proven ability to interpret complex regulatory, legislative or business requirements and translate them into practical operational outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear guidance, reports, policy documents and stakeholder communications.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence decisions and work effectively across multiple teams and functions.
- Sound judgement, analytical thinking and decision-making capability, with the ability to work through ambiguity and apply policy consistently and fairly.
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 Policy Manager 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 14th August.
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.
Policy Manager in Leeds employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the wastewater sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a comprehensive benefits package, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to vital environmental initiatives. Located in a region known for its natural beauty, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values health and safety, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Manager in Leeds
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Yorkshire Water, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Yorkshire Water and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Yorkshire Water and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Yorkshire Water, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Yorkshire Water.
