Policy Lead

We have an opportunity for a Policy Lead– Water Efficiency Innovation to join our Water Resources team within the RAPID and Environmental Planning directorate at Senior Associate level. 

This is an exciting time for all the teams within the directorate.  Reducing demand for water is essential, especially during the first decade of the current Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs). Water companies are scaling up investment in the shift to smart metering (~£1.7bn of new investment and 10m meters being installed). The review of final WRMPs projects ~450 million litres of water per day will be saved due to metering by 2049/50 and ~50% households and businesses will have a smart meter by 2030. However, there are risks if not delivered.

Ofwat has launched a £100 million water efficiency fund (also known as WEF) to help deliver a transformative, sustained, and measurable reduction in water demand across England and Wales. The aim of the fund is to stimulate a transformative, sustained, and measurable reduction in water demand across England and Wales by using a range of water efficiency approaches. We want to encourage collaboration and innovation that would not, and historically has not, otherwise happened.

You can find out more about why you should join Ofwat, our strategy, values and our framework for success in the attached Information for Candidates Pack.

The Role

This is an exciting new role in an expanding team. You will have the opportunity to support with the development of specific areas of strategy and policy. These will include leading the development of smart metering strategies and/or shaping delivery of the £25m Water Efficiency Lab challenges. You will also have the opportunity to work with wider governments and regulators and with a varied range of stakeholders on water efficiency and water resources policy. This includes the Smart Water Metering Delivery Group (SWMDG) governance, bringing together Ofwat, EA, Defra, MOSL, CCW, water companies and others to developing standards and regulation to coordinate the national rollout.

The sector is facing unprecedented challenges, and we want someone who relishes the opportunity to apply their skills and experience to improve our water environment. Whilst there are specific policy areas you will lead on, you will also play an important role in driving the collaborative work programme across Governments and with other regulators to improve future water resources management.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with experience of innovation, smart metering, water efficiency and/or experience of working on environmental strategy or policy within the water sector looking to gain experience whilst working within the regulatory sector. The successful candidate may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and is likely to have experience in policy and strategy gained from working in, for example, Government, third sector regulators, utilities, or the contracting sector.

This role offers varied and interesting work, an opportunity to make a difference for the environment and customers, and a focus on your development and growth in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us to help secure water supplies for future generations and create a truly special legacy for communities and the environment.

Key deliverables:

In this role you will be expected to: 

• Lead on the delivery of water resources and efficiency policy projects and programmes, including on elements of communication, engagement, monitoring and reporting.
• Support wider water resources and efficiency policy development working with government, other regulators, water companies and wider stakeholders.
• Lead work with our Water Efficiency Fund Evaluation Partner on benefits assessment of projects funded by the Water Efficiency Lab.
• Contribute to the RAPID and Environmental Planning directorate strategy and policy work more broadly as required.
• Support growth of the team and line management of additional staff (Associates and/or Graduates).

To be successful in this role you will need the below essential attributes, experience, skills and knowledge:

Experience, skills and knowledge 

1. Lead criterion: Experience with innovation, smart metering, water efficiency and/or experience working on Environmental Strategy or Policy within the water sector.
2. Lead Criterion: Experience of developing policy and strategy products such as policy briefs, strategies, and designing and facilitating workshops.
3. Academic or professional experience of wider environmental issues and good knowledge/understanding of those related to the water industry.
4. Experience of formulating, presenting, and writing clear and concise evidence-based advice to inform policy making, decision building and recommendations, for a range of audiences and to encourage and respond to constructive challenge to build confidence in decision-making.
5. Experience of building and maintaining constructive working relationships with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs, expectations, and priorities, and to influence and collaborate effectively to deliver desired outcomes.
6. Experience of formulating, presenting, and writing clear and concise evidence-based advice to inform policy making, decision building and recommendations, for a range of audiences and to encourage and respond to constructive challenge to build confidence in decision-making. 

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 1st June 2025