At Thames Water we provide essential water services to 16 million customers across the UK, delivering high‑quality water and maintaining an extensive network of pipes. We are committed to sustainable water management and to building a better future for our customers, communities and the planet.
Head of Engineering Services – Wastewater
Base location: Clearwater Court, Reading (flexible working options)Working pattern: Full‑time, permanent – office & site work 3 days per week.
What you’ll be doing
Lead the delivery of core engineering services to Operations, Capital Programme, Asset Planning and Retail.
Act as the primary gateway for the wider business and supply‑chain partners into the Chief Engineering function.
Ensure operational needs are met by collaborating with senior engineering leaders and partners.
Adopt a systems‑thinking approach across the project lifecycle, from planning to handover and maintenance.
Manage and coordinate internal and external engineering programme teams.
Drive affordable, high‑quality solutions that deliver real benefits for customers and communities.
Shape the future of engineering at Thames Water, embedding transformation and new ways of working.
Develop and grow a high‑performing, inclusive team ready for the challenges of AMP8, AMP9 and beyond.
Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including regulators and local authorities.
Champion a zero‑compromise approach to health, safety and wellbeing.
To thrive in this role
Strategic leadership experience in engineering services, ideally within a regulated or infrastructure environment.
Demonstrable ability to deliver continuous improvement and drive performance.
Strong programme and project management skills.
Experience working in a matrix environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
A talent for inspiring, coordinating and empowering teams.
Minimum of an honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related field.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Additional skills and experiences would be great to have
Passion for continuous professional development and inclusivity in engineering.
Awareness of operating in complex environments with political and media stakeholders.
Systems engineering experience.
Formal professional recognition (e.g., CEng, CSci) or a relevant business degree (e.g., MBA).
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary.
26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
Car allowance.
Performance‑related pay linked to company performance measures and targets.
Generous pension scheme through AON.
Private medical health care.
Additional benefits: annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Benefits and Perks
We offer an attractive benefits package, including a generous pension, private health care, flexible working arrangements, and a wide range of perks to support your health, wellbeing and finances.
About Thames Water
We are the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving 16 million customers. We are dedicated to providing sustainable water solutions and creating opportunities for our employees to make a real difference.
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