At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to 16 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. We deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities, and the environment can thrive.
Overview
As the UK’s largest water company, we’re taking action for a new world of water – fixing today’s problems and building resilience for tomorrow. Our AMP8 Business Plan for 2025‑2030 is our largest ever, with a proposed total expenditure of over £20 billion, more than double the last five‑year period, and the largest ever in the UK Water Industry. This once‑in‑a‑generation investment will deliver lasting improvements to water infrastructure across London and the Thames Valley.
You’ll have influence at the highest level, working across the organisation and engaging directly with senior leaders and directors, including a close working relationship with the Chief Engineer.
You’ll join us on a long‑term growth journey where engineering sits at the heart of decision‑making, driving the right environmental and customer outcomes. This is more than a role – it’s a defining opportunity to transform how we deliver Engineering activity within our Capital Investment programme, aligning with wider strategies and demonstrating visible leadership into teams.
Ready to lead the future of engineering at Thames Water?
Position
We’re looking for a dynamic, visionary Head of Engineering Delivery to join our Major Projects & Programmes (MPP) Leadership Team. This high‑profile senior role reports directly into the MPP Director and is accountable for Engineering Delivery services across MPP. It further matrixes into the Chief Engineer as a part of Thames Water’s wider Engineering Leadership Team.
This role plays a pivotal part in shaping our engineering capability, driving innovation, and delivering high‑impact capital projects worth over £9bn in the next five years.
What you’ll be doing as Head of Engineering Delivery
Leading the newly created Engineering Delivery Department, bringing together talented teams to deliver end‑to‑end engineering solutions across our MPP portfolio.
Managing a growing team of over 200 professional engineers, with 4–6 direct reports, and overseeing a multi‑billion‑pound budget.
Driving the integration and development of professional engineers in MPP with wider Engineering Communities of Practice, led by the Chief Engineer function.
Developing and implementing the engineering approach for AMP8, ensuring projects are delivered to schedule, budget, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
Engaging with the Chief Engineer / Head of Engineering Services to ensure service requirements into the MPP portfolio are understood, developed, and delivered.
Driving a zero‑compromise approach to Health, Safety & Wellbeing, embedding best practice and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Building strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, supply chain partners, and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes that matter.
Championing transformation and new ways of working, fostering a culture of innovation, professional development, and continuous improvement.
Base location
Clearwater Court, Reading, Hampton or Maple Lodge (with flexible working arrangements)
Working pattern or hours
Full‑time, permanent. A mix of office & site working at least 3 days per week.
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need
Strategic leadership experience in engineering delivery for major capital schemes or programmes.
Comprehensive knowledge of capital projects, asset maintenance planning, and engineering delivery in complex, real‑time operations.
In‑depth understanding of procurement, supplier management, legal compliance, financial controls, and project governance.
Formal professional recognition (CEng, CSci) and a minimum of an honours engineering degree (or equivalent).
Proven ability to lead transformation, drive change, and inspire high‑performing teams.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
Additional skills and experiences would be great to have
Fellowship of a relevant engineering institute.
Relevant business degree (e.g., MBA) or equivalent.
Passion for continuous professional development and diversity.
Experience operating in complex environments with political and media stakeholders.
What’s in it for you
Competitive salary.
Annual leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
Car allowance.
Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
Generous pension scheme through AON.
Private medical health care.
Access to many benefits to support your health, wellbeing, and finances – from annual health MOTs and physiotherapy to Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Find out more about our benefits and perks
Learn more about our purpose and values and discover how Thames Water can help you grow.
Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else – just let us know, we’re here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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