Water Company Account Manager - 28798

Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please clearly include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

This is your chance to help influence and improve the environmental performance of water companies. We are looking for somebody with an excellent understanding of the water industry and how it impacts the environment to join our national Operations Catchment Services department as the account manager facing companies in the north west of England.

You’ll lead a team driving national operational work with water companies at a senior level, keeping a comprehensive overview of their environmental performance and strategic plans to influence improvements and future investment. We do this through the Ofwat price review and specific plans such as water resources management plans, drainage and wastewater management plans and pollution incident reduction plans.

In this role you will be responsible for:
• managing the relationship with two water and sewerage companies
• working closely with the lead Directors of Operations, Area Directors and their leadership teams to influence water company environmental performance and investment delivery
• leading virtual teams of colleagues across the business to bring together intelligence, monitor risks and report performance under relevant regulatory regimes
• development of water company specific intervention plans

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

Operations Catchment Services is a national-once department which uses evidence, expertise and innovation to drive our work. You’ll lead the north west team, one of the five water company account teams operating across the country, working closely with key customers, stakeholders and cross-functional colleagues to deliver positive environmental outcomes. As part of our leadership team, you’ll provide insight and strategic direction to influence and shape thinking on water, leading or contributing to associated portfolios.

You will draw on various skills and will need to demonstrate your ability in the following areas:
• Knowledge and practical experience of water company regulation and/or planning
• Sound knowledge of the environmental pressures impacting on the water environment
• Excellent ability to lead and influence cross functionally with a strong customer focus
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, verbal and written, in dealing with business colleagues at all levels
• Analytical thinking to identify potential issues but also identify value added solutions
• Ability to build respectful working relationships with emotional intelligence
• Ability to manage and present data and information effectively
• Elements of this work are time critical, therefore a flexible work style and ability to work with pace and agility are essential

We’re a friendly, dispersed team that uses smart tools to stay connected and reduce our environmental impact. You’ll need to be based near or within easy access of the water companies you’ll manage, United Utilities and Welsh Water (England operations), and some travel across the north west and to occasional national meetings will be required.

We offer an extensive range of employee benefits and the opportunity to progress your career with us via professional training routes such as apprenticeships and degree programmes.

For questions relating to this role, please email OCSAdmin@environment-agency.gov.uk quoting the vacancy reference.

Interviews will be held w/c 22 April 2024.

It is your answers to the competencies that will be used for interview selection.

Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
Describe how your leadership inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and deliver great outcomes

Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Using examples from previous roles please describe how you ensure that your team’s activities work well with other, interdependent teams within time pressures

Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Describe a time when you have had to engage and influence senior stakeholders with different perspectives to reach a good outcome

In the context of water industry regulation demonstrate an understanding of the Environment Agency’s business processes and how to maximise the use of resources in an efficient and effective way.
Describe your experience and skills of the regulatory and planning framework for the water industry. Explain what you see as your key skill for this role