Asset Standards Manager

Overview

We are looking for a strategic technical leader who will set the standards across the full asset lifecycle—covering design, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning ensuring we meet our organisational goals and regulatory requirements.>

You’ll lead a team of standards specialists and work hand‑in‑hand with Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to embed best practice and unlock performance and value in design, construction, operation and maintenance through implementation of optimal asset standards.

• Develop and maintain lifecycle standards:
  • Design – define technical specs and design criteria for consistency and quality.
  • Operation – set operational protocols and performance benchmarks.
  • Maintenance – shape preventive/predictive strategies.
  • Decommissioning – create safe, efficient, cost‑effective retirement and disposal standards.
• Provide technical leadership, collaborating with SMEs across Engineering, Operations and Capital Delivery to ensure standards meet business needs.
• Track industry trends and regulatory change to keep us compliant and competitive.
• Own the governance framework for asset standards, including creation, adoption and change control.
• Lead a team of six standards specialists; set clear objectives and support their development.
• Prepare and present compliance and standards reports to senior leaders and regulators.
• Manage the Asset Standards team budget and deliver indirect cost savings across design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB

36 hours, Monday
- Friday

Must have a valid UK driving licence, as there will be site visits to meet job requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or related field (Master's preferred) and relevant professional certifications (e.g. CEng).
• Demonstrable experience developing engineering or asset standards, or leading asset management, engineering design and/or maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, asset lifecycle principles, and relevant industry standards (e.g. ISO 55000).
• A track record of leading technical teams and coordinating cross‑functional input.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at pace.
• Expertise in technical documentation and report writing; data‑driven decision‑making.
• Strategic, systems‑thinking mindset with strengths in change management, continuous improvement, and risk & lifecycle awareness.
• Confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders and external bodies/regulators.

• Experience in regulated utilities (water or similar).
• Experience embedding standards into capital delivery and day‑to‑day operations.

• Competitive salary up to £85,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the 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
• 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.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

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.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

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…