What you’ll be doing
as a Senior Operational Transformation Manager
As a Senior Operational Transformation Manager, you’ll lead the successful delivery of high‑priority programmes that enable real, measurable benefits for our customers, colleagues and communities. You’ll work across a variety of environments – sometimes leading a matrix team, sometimes supporting one, and sometimes delivering individually – bringing clarity, structure and momentum to complex programmes. You’ll collaborate with stakeholders across the business to ensure each programme is well‑defined, justified and delivered to a high standard.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with drive, pragmatism and a passion for making meaningful change. Experience of operational turnaround or large‑scale efficiency programmes is essential, and a background in consulting or the utilities sector is highly desirable.
As our Senior Operational Transformation Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading and embedding major change across the business, including:
1. Managing the successful delivery of programmes so the business can realise planned benefits.
2. Acting as the single point of contact for programme delivery status.
3. Leading and motivating programme teams and stakeholders.
4. Keeping programme sponsors engaged and informed.
5. Ensuring programme interdependencies are understood, managed and aligned with the wider operational portfolio.
6. Role modelling a professional services culture across Thames Water.
7. Driving best‑in‑class methodologies and embedding meaningful, lasting change across the organisation.
Base location: Hybrid – Reading/Home
Working pattern: Full-time
Requirements for the role: Ability to travel across Thames Water’s catchment area when required.
What we’re looking for:
8. A proven track record of delivering complex programmes end‑to‑end.
9. Experience leading matrix and virtual teams, as well as delivering individually.
10. Demonstrable experience driving major business transformation and change initiatives.
11. Strong internal and external stakeholder management at a senior level.
12. Ability to influence, challenge and engage at pace.
13. A background in consulting or utilities (desirable).
To support your application, please attach a covering letter highlighting your experience in customer‑focused operational change, along with examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver complex programmes, lead or support matrix teams, influence senior stakeholders and drive transformation in fast‑moving environments.
What’s in it for you?
14. Competitive salary from £66,590 to £85,000 per annum
15. Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
16. Car Allowance
17. Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
18. Generous Pension Scheme through AON
19. Private Medical Health Care
20. Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.