Systems & Data Lead (SRO)

We have a very exciting opportunity for a Systems & Data Lead to take ownership of and deliver digital workstreams across multiple major infrastructure projects, collectively known as Thames Waters Strategic Resource Options (SRO). You will become part of the SRO Directorate, which is responsible for the development of several projects that will improve resilience to drought and minimise interruptions to water supplies in the South East, whilst protecting the environment. These projects include a new reservoir, water recycling and large-scale water transfer projects between different river catchments.

Overseen by water industry regulators, the projects are currently navigating the critical phase of securing planning consents, with construction forecast to begin in the next 5 years and operations from 2040. Integral to the project’s success are the emerging digital workstreams, which include information management, digital systems, asset & spatial modelling, operational technology and digital collaboration tools.

You will be responsible for evolving, maintaining and executing the digital strategy, including systems, people and processes across project partners and sub-contractors.

You will lead a small but growing client-side team, ensuring the successful delivery of digital projects that enhance portfolio operations and achieve organisational goals.

What you’ll be doing as a Systems & Data Lead (SRO)

Your role involves strategic planning, project management, and driving cutting-edge digital solutions in collaboration with the core TW digital teams. Additionally, you will work closely with and direct Partners and subcontractors, overseeing their delivery on digital strategies. It is essential that the Partners' and sub-contractors' digital approaches and CDE strategy align with the client's portfolio-specific digital strategy.

• Evolving, maintaining and executing the digital strategy.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of digital projects, ensuring they meet the scope, time, and budget requirements of both the SRO and TW Corporate IT.
• Strategic oversight and direction of the SRO Partners to ensure the development and implementation of their plans, for such things as their respective CDEs, Digital Twins, Digital EIAs, etc. aligns with not only the requirements of the SRO but also of the wider TW Corporate strategies and plans.
• Lead, mentor, and develop capability across a growing team.
• IM team management, including document management and control, the SRO CDE (Asite, SP and partner CDEs) and ISO19650 alignment.
• ISO19650 accountability for alignment and adherence by SRO and partners, including development, maintenance and improvement to required documentation, specific to SRO but informed by TW Corporate.
• Cyber Security, accountable for the Security Manager's development of SRO-specific protocols, processes, procedures, policies and SMP. Additionally, the application and policing of these standards by SRO and all Partners.
• Data Management and Reporting. Accountable for the alignment of data structures and associated reporting (and longer term, other data insights, e.g. forecasting, AI, VR, AR, etc.). Applicable across SRO and all Partners.
• Project Management. Accountable for a small but focused and capable PM capability within the SRO Digital team. Required for overall scheduling and management of a significant number of projects and initiatives. Providing insight and enhanced mechanisms for control and cross-partner synergies.
• Regulatory, DEFRA, OFWAT, PINS and RAPID. The SRO timeline, judgment of its success and its ability to continue are more or less wholly driven by these bodies. In their requirements, there are several areas where Digital is either specifically or implicitly accountable and responsible for success. DEIA and DT are prime examples.

This is a hybrid role based out of Camelford House, London. You will need to attend the office 2 days a week, with occasional travel to our head office in Reading.

What you should bring to the role

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with organisational goals.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2, APM, etc.).
• Knowledge of digital tools and technologies relevant to the water industry and/or large infrastructure programmes (e.g., SCADA, Digital Twins, GIS, etc.) is desirable.
• Previous experience with data management & systems.

What’s in it for you?

• £90,000 per annum, negotiable based on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance.
• Annual Bonus.
• 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

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 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

Working at Thames Wate r

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 family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference in millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world's water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.