29497 - Water Industry Regulatory Manager

We are seeking an experienced leader to manage a new department focused on enhancing water company regulation. This team will work directly with Thames Water, while collaborating with national and local colleagues.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the water industry, including its assets and environmental impacts, gained through relevant experience in operational or regulatory roles. You will oversee the effective delivery and assurance of regulatory functions for a sector with nationally and politically significant sites.

In this role, you will lead a department of regulatory teams, each managed by a Team Leader and comprising officers with diverse skills, including a Principal Regulatory Officer. You will guide these teams in deploying resources to achieve the best environmental outcomes and lead the development of the regulatory strategy for Thames Water, advising the Deputy Director.

This role will be externally facing, requiring strong relationship-building and a detailed understanding of Environment Agency partners and key stakeholders. You must be adept at addressing critical environmental issues and understanding the strategic needs of the water company.

As a leader, you will mentor your staff through cultural and business transformations, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. Responsibilities include ensuring team health, safety, and wellbeing, supporting professional development, and managing workflows to meet future needs. You will balance the work within your team to focus on areas that deliver the greatest environmental benefit.

At the Environment Agency, we aspire to foster a workforce where inclusivity thrives. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will also be provided with all the equipment required for your role.

You'll join a newly formed team reporting to the Deputy Director. As part of the leadership team, you'll provide strategic direction, influencing and shaping thinking across the wider business to deliver agile and effective regulation.

We are seeking candidates with a degree in an environmental discipline or equivalent relevant experience.

You should possess a strong strategic mindset, with the ability to align water company initiatives with environmental objectives, anticipate trends, and identify opportunities for intelligence-driven regulation to maximise environmental outcomes.

Additionally, you should be able to demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership and influencing skills across the business, with a strong customer focus.


• The ability to provide high-level advice, guidance, and sound judgement on your team's regulatory activities.


• A comprehensive understanding of the environmental pressures facing the water industry.


• Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the capability to engage colleagues across all levels.


• The ability to build respectful, collaborative working relationships, underpinned by emotional intelligence.


• A proactive, positive attitude, with a strong problem-solving approach.