Head of Economic Regulation

Head of Economic Regulation

We are seeking a full‑time, permanent Head of Economic Regulation to lead our regulatory strategy and position the organisation for long‑term success. This role can be based out of our Exeter, Bristol, or Redhill HQ.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Regulation and Chief Strategy & Regulatory Affairs Officer, you will lead on economic regulation, market reform and price review strategy, ensuring the business is well‑positioned within an evolving regulatory landscape.

• Lead the organisation’s economic regulation strategy, monitoring, interpreting and influencing trends across the water sector, and develop long‑term approaches aligned to market reform and increasing competition.
• Own critical elements of periodic price reviews, including the development of regulatory business plans and the design of associated incentives, ensuring robust programme management and governance across all regulatory submissions.
• Take ownership of charges policy and tariff strategy, deliver pricing reforms and build and maintain strong, effective relationships with economic regulators.
• Coordinate responses to consultations, investigations and inquiries.
• Oversee the regulatory reporting framework and supervision arrangements, ensuring compliance with licence obligations and merger undertakings.
• Balance customer affordability with financial sustainability, bringing expertise in utility risk, return and economic valuation, working closely with Finance and Business Unit leaders.
• Collaborate across Legal, Compliance, IT and Customer teams to ensure cohesive regulatory delivery, and drive business improvement through efficiency benchmarking and industry analysis.
• Support capability building by delivering training and developing internal expertise in economic regulation.

• Significant experience (7‑10+ years) in economic regulation, ideally within the water or utilities sector.
• Minimum 3 years of proven leadership experience managing teams or strategic programmes.
• Strong track record delivering regulatory programmes, including price reviews.

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions‑led mindset.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable insight.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities under pressure.

• Required
• Professional qualification in Economics and/or Finance (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Desirable
• Leadership or management qualifications.
• Experience in data analysis, investigations or project management.

• Shaping the future of economic regulation within a critical national infrastructure sector.
• Driving innovation and change during a time of industry reform.
• Building and developing high‑performing teams.
• Working at pace on complex, high‑impact challenges.
• Influencing strategy at the highest levels of the organisation.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Bonus Plan.
• Private Healthcare.
• Company car or cash for car allowance.
• Competitive contributory pension.
• Share‑save scheme.
• Health benefits and wellbeing support programmes.
• Group discounts.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Financial support services.
• Development and training opportunities.

Closing Date: 16th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications; we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

We celebrate uniqueness and build a culture of belonging where diversity is our strength.