Major Projects Operational Strategy Manager

Salary Circa £60k, salary depending on skills and experience

Permanent, 37 Hours a week 

Location: Hybrid / Peterborough

Anglian Water offers a flexible approach, this role provides you with hybrid working. Your base location will be in our Peterborough office with the expectation of being in the office 2-3 days a week.  

If you’re excited by complex challenges, driven to make a lasting impact on infrastructure, and ready to lead the way in shaping the future of Anglian Water, this is your chance to do just that!

Join the largest infrastructure programme in the water industry and be at the forefront of shaping the future of water management! Anglian Water is delivering on its WRMP24, WRMP29, DWMP, and long-term strategy objectives, and this role will be central to ensuring that the Major Projects Portfolio is integrated seamlessly into the operational landscape of the company.

As the Operational Strategy Lead for the Major Projects Portfolio, you’ll bring an operational perspective to some of the most innovative and ambitious projects in the sector, including new delivery mechanisms like SIPR and DPC. Your expertise will ensure that assets and systems that may be owned and operated by third parties interface seamlessly with our operations, protecting customers’ interests and manage operational risks every step of the way.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Sponsorship to shape regulatory, commercial, and operational strategies that influence the future of major projects, all while leading a small team who will work with projects to embed these strategies into the development of cutting-edge physical and digital assets.

Key Accountabilities:

Develop Operations & Maintenance Strategies

• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies for major projects, ensuring seamless interface with Anglian Water's daily operations.

• Balance regulatory, commercial, and operational considerations while working with the Sponsorship function to align with business objectives.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Ensure early-stage development, design, and commissioning incorporate operational input throughout the project lifecycle.

• Create frameworks for system integration and advise on potential operational risks, working closely with operational teams to mitigate them.

• Lead collaboration between major projects and operational teams to ensure smooth integration.

Support Safety in Design & Operation

• Champion a safety-first approach in major project development and delivery.

• Ensure safety elements are considered in the design and mitigate risks throughout the lifecycle, incorporating lessons learned from past operational incidents.

Continuous Improvement & Best Practice

• Lead operational learning through site visits and collaboration with other water companies.

• Identify and support improvement opportunities, documenting lessons learned and contributing to asset standards processes.

Experience and Skills Required

• Extensive experience managing day-to-day operations of water, water recycling or similar assets

• Expertise in the safe operation of hazardous treatment processes (e.g., chlorine gas, sludge treatment, DSEAR-rated areas)

• Experience in facilitation, issue resolution, and conflict management

• Familiarity with the use of asset standards and their application

• Experience with the capital delivery process, including project management and commercial awareness

• Technical knowledge in process design, mechanical/electrical/civil design, plant optimisation, and plant maintenance

• Strong influencing and negotiating skills

• Strategic thinker with expertise in stakeholder engagement and delivering through others

• Exceptional presentation and communication skills

• Proven ability to collaborate and negotiate effectively, ensuring successful delivery in team-based environments

• Sound decision-making abilities, even in the absence of established precedents or standards

• Takes full ownership and accountability for decisions and actions

• Ability to challenge the status quo, innovate, and foster continuous improvement

 As a valued employee, you’ll be entitled to:

• Personal private health care

• 26 days annual leave – rising with length of service

• Flexible working

• Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double-matches your contributions up to 6%

• Bonus scheme

• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle 

Why join us?

This is your chance to play a key role in shaping the future of water operations at Anglian Water. As part of the largest infrastructure programme in the industry, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of major projects into day-to-day operations, driving operational excellence and innovation.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to influence novel delivery mechanisms like SIPR & DPC and make strategic decisions that will impact 25 years of water management in the East of England. This role combines strategic planning, collaboration, and safety to ensure that Anglian Water’s major projects are not only successful but also sustainable and safe.

If you're looking to make a lasting impact in a challenging yet rewarding environment, while working with a passionate team and influencing the future of the water industry, this is the role for you. Be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking company that values your leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Closing date: 9th November 2025

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