At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Strategic Planner, you'll shape our future strategies and optimise operations.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a leading water utility company in the beautiful Yorkshire region.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and an attractive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on water sustainability and community well-being.
- Qualifications: We're looking for strategic thinkers with relevant experience and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 66000 £ per year.
Company description:
Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
Job description:
Strategic Planner
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£44,000-£55,000
- 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 Strategic Planner progression plan
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day!
- 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: Bradford / Hybrid Working (notionally 2-3 days in the office per week. This could be more when collaborative efforts, training or statutory deadlines are required)
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday Friday.
We have an number of exciting opportunities for a Strategic Planner to join the Drainage and Wastewater Management Planning (DWMP) team within our Strategy & Regulation function at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?
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, its so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshires 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 regions 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 Strategy & Regulation function are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.
Working within the DWMP Team, the Strategic Planner will work on our DWMP, our 25-year, long-term investment strategy for our wastewater infrastructure. They will support in developing an evidence base for future investment requirements linked to climate change, population growth and urban creep. They will consider the asset health and resilience of our assets alongside overall potential environmental impacts.Within the team, you will support in assessing current and future performance of our wastewater infrastructure, including:
- Sewer flooding (internal and external)
- Storm overflow performance
- Treatment works compliance
- Pollution events
- Impacts to good ecological and chemical status of our watercourses
- Impacts to bathing water quality
You will take a holistic view to these risks incorporating future climate change, population growth and urban creep scenarios, as well as considering asset health and operational performance.
Where you fit in:
As our Strategic Planner you will:
- Develop detailed and assured DWMP methodologies and work on the technical delivery of these with partners.
- Generate, process and analyse data from hydraulic network models, treatment models, asset deterioration and performance models alongside being able to identify and manage the risks of model/data confidence.
- Utilise the outputs of such assessments to identify both tactical and strategic interventions, including catchment plans to address any deficiencies.
- Understand and integrate plans produced by external stakeholders/regulators into our DWMP production, including working with internal departments.
- Act as representative on national groups e.g. Task and Finish Groups to influence national methodologies for future planning.
- Be a subject matter expert on the DWMP and ensure the outputs of the DWMP are accessible and easy to understand for stakeholders and customers both internally and externally.
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Be educated to at least degree level in a related discipline and working towards or be a member of either CIWEM, ICE or another professional body.
- Experience in wastewater modelling and/or treatment processes
- An ability to manage, interrogate and visualise large complex datasets using appropriate software.
- Previous experience in undertaking complex risk analysis, verification and optioneering to design and quantify future strategic investment needs.
- Able to assess and audit data to ensure that the outputs are fit for the purpose
- Strong communication skills, written and verbal and excellent influencing/networking skills
- Able to plan, lead and manage projects with minimal supervision.
- Able to respond to technical scrutiny from wider stakeholders and where required technically challenge and influence others.
You will also benefit from having:
- A knowledge of the current regulatory and legislative environment around the water industry and wider drainage community
- A knowledge of hydrology and/or river modelling
- 2D flood routing analysis
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, its 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 isnt always easy!
Do we sound like your cup of tea?
If youve got experience in Strategic Planning 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.
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.
Closing date for this role is 1st November 2025
No agencies please.
Strategic Planner employer: Yorkshire Water
Contact Detail:
Yorkshire Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Research the water utility sector in Yorkshire to understand current challenges and opportunities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the water industry, especially those working in strategic roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of strategic planning you've done in the past. Be ready to explain how your strategies led to measurable outcomes, as this will showcase your effectiveness in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Yorkshire Water's values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission can set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine interest in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Strategic Planner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in strategic planning or related fields. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to contribute to a water utility company.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for working with Yorkshire Water. Mention why you are drawn to their mission and values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as ensuring that all information is clear and concise.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Yorkshire Water. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a Strategic Planner, you'll likely face behavioural questions that assess your problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide clear examples from your past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
In this role, analytical skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or strategies in previous positions. Bring specific examples that highlight your ability to analyse complex information and develop actionable plans.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, when given the chance to ask questions, make sure to have a few insightful ones prepared. Inquire about the company's future projects or how they measure success in the Strategic Planning department. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset.