Compliance (WINEP & WAAP) Assurance Manager

In this fantastic role, you will provide support to the Lead and Principal Sponsors in delivering their responsibilities and directing the delivery of Programmes through regular operations or in a project environment.

You will focus on assisting with project delivery, monitoring progress, and supporting stakeholder engagement to achieve the right outcomes for the business. You will contribute to programme success by managing day-to-day tasks, escalating risks, and collaborating across teams under the guidance of the Principal Sponsor.

What you’ll be doing as a Compliance (WINEP & WAAP) Assurance Manager

Key accountabilities include:

• Support the delivery of compliance projects to agreed time, cost, and quality standards across the full project lifecycle.
• Coordinate resources, manage dependencies, and escalate risks and issues to the Principal Sponsor as required.
• Assure completion of business cases and benefits realisation to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Assure monitoring and reporting of project progress, performance metrics, and outcomes (including PCs and ODIs).
• Identify, own, and manage risks and mitigation activities, providing advice on environmental investment risk to Sponsors and deliverers.
• Lead compliance discussions, negotiations, and relationship management with internal stakeholders and external regulators (EA and Ofwat).
• Lead internal meetings, stakeholder alignment sessions, and change management activities within established regulatory processes.
• Prepare and coordinate materials and communications for internal governance forums and external regulators.
• Identify and apply innovative, cost‑effective approaches to deliver environmental outcomes with enhanced wider benefits.
• Assess delivery plans against Water Industry Strategic Environmental Requirements, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist the Lead Sponsor and Principal Sponsor in effective project implementation and delivery.

Base location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB and regular travel to Sewage Treatment Works and Environmental Agency/ OftWat offices as required

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours, Mon-Fri

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Significant years of experience in environmental programmes, Operations, Asset Management and Investment Planning.
• Technical knowledge of environmental impacts from water and wastewater operations, as well as an understanding of the types of solutions that can be applied.
• Demonstrable ability to work well across teams and with external clients or regulators.
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills, with the ability to work with large datasets and from this create valuable insight.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex and technical topics in clear, simple terms.
• Strong computer skills, including the use of Excel and PowerPoint.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn.
• Relevant degree and/or professional qualification or membership.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £82,000 to £86,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 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 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 Water

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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of 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.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, 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 and meet colleagues.

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.