Regulatory Economics Manager

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced and influential Regulatory Economics Manager to lead a specialist team of economists and provide rigorous economic insight that supports Scottish Water’s regulatory obligations and long‑term strategic decision‑making. This pivotal leadership role helps the business understand, demonstrate and communicate value, efficiency and affordability, while supporting effective investment decisions that deliver for customers across Scotland.

Working at the heart of Strategy & Regulation, the role shapes Scottish Water’s response to the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) and ensures robust economic evidence is embedded across business planning, investment prioritisation and performance frameworks.

The Regulatory Economics Manager’s responsibilities include overseeing analysis of efficiency and performance, preparing robust evidence for regulatory submissions, and presenting complex economic reasoning clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities also include providing rigorous economic input and challenge to support longer‑term planning and policy development, working with the Business Economics Manager on cost‑benefit analysis tools and costing approaches, and managing a significant consultancy budget.

Significant professional experience in economics, with strong regulatory economics expertise; a master’s‑level qualification in Economics or equivalent. Proven track record delivering high‑quality analysis in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment. Leadership experience recruiting, coaching, mentoring economists and building capability. Strong stakeholder‑management, communication skills and ability to explain economic insight persuasively.

38 days of holiday per year, including public holidays, with option to buy up to five more days. Flexible working with a focus on work‑life balance, including opportunities to volunteer. Defined benefit pension, life assurance and annual company bonus. Access to rewards programme with discounts on holidays, bills and shopping. Position full‑time, 35 hours per week with flexible hours.

Level M1. Salary starting at £69,247 with potential to rise to £86,887 based on performance.