Principal Operational Transformation Manager

We're embarking on a major transformation journey, with high-quality asset data forming a cornerstone of our future success. The Principal Operational Transformation Manager will be accountable for the successful delivery of Thames Water’s most critical business programmes, ensuring operational resilience, improved performance, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. This role also involves providing strategic support to business unit Directors, driving the achievement of key business outcomes.

If you're motivated by complex delivery challenges, senior-level influence, and making a meaningful impact, now is an exciting time to join our team.

What you’ll be doing as a Principal Operational Transformation Manager
As a Principal Operational Transformation Manager, you'll be responsible for leading and delivering high-profile programmes that are central to Thames Water’s ongoing transformation:

Oversee programme strategy, mobilisation, and delivery to ensure readiness for critical business milestones.
Act as the single point of accountability for programme performance, reporting, and the realisation of benefits.
Build and lead high-performing teams, motivating colleagues and fostering a culture of purpose and collaboration.
Partner closely with Directors, programme sponsors, and senior stakeholders across core business functions.
Manage programme interdependencies and align them with the broader transformation portfolio.
Embed best-in-class methodologies, governance, and commercial thinking into all aspects of programme delivery.
Influence and inspire teams to embrace new working practices, driving continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Base location:
Hybrid – Reading/Home
Working pattern:
Full-time
Travel requirements:
Ability to travel within Thames Water’s catchment area as required.

What we’re looking for

Proven experience in delivering complex operational transformation or business-critical programmes, ideally within utilities, infrastructure, or regulated sectors.
Ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing teams across multiple disciplines and functions.
Advanced stakeholder management skills, including the ability to engage and influence senior leaders and Directors.
Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to challenging assumptions and achieving clarity in objectives.
Passion for driving continuous improvement and embedding innovative practices that deliver measurable benefits.
Expertise in organisational change management, including effective communication, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop effective solutions aligned to business needs.
Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed to support programme delivery both on-site and remotely.

All applications will need to include a covering letter highlighting your experience in customer-focused operational change and provide examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver complex programmes, lead or support teams, influence senior stakeholders, and drive transformation in dynamic environments.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary from £80,675 to £100,000 per annum
Annual Leave - 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 Care
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 (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?
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…