Senior Associate, Water Supply Technical Specialist

Senior Associate Level | Birmingham or London | Up to £50,000

Advance TRS is supporting a public-sector organisation with the appointment of a Senior Associate Water Supply Technical Specialist.

This is an opportunity for someone with experience in water supply engineering, water quality, operational management or infrastructure investment to contribute to the regulation and future development of the water sector.

Working across technical, operational and regulatory areas, you will help assess water company performance, support investment decisions and ensure that infrastructure programmes deliver effective, cost-efficient and resilient outcomes for customers and the environment.

The position would suit someone with a background in water supply engineering, water treatment, asset management, operational delivery or capital investment, who is interested in applying their technical knowledge within a regulatory environment.

The role

You will join a team responsible for overseeing water supply performance, resilience and security, working closely with water companies, industry regulators and government departments.

Your work will involve assessing company delivery plans, investment proposals and performance data, providing technical advice and supporting the development of regulatory processes and future investment frameworks.

You will also contribute to the assessment of major water infrastructure schemes, including water treatment works investment, network reinforcement and interconnectivity projects, helping ensure that proposals are technically sound and represent value for money.

The role offers exposure to a broad range of water industry challenges, including water quality, treatment, resilience, security and the effective delivery of infrastructure investment.

Key responsibilities

• Assess water company delivery plans, Price Control Deliverables (PCDs) and Annual Performance Review (APR) data to provide effective oversight of company performance.
• Engage directly with water companies through the large scheme process, reviewing technical information, investment proposals, risks and delivery challenges.
• Assess submissions through cost change processes, including reviewing company proposals and undertaking detailed technical and cost assessments.
• Develop and use benchmarking models to support the assessment of infrastructure investment and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical advice and support on water quality, water treatment, resilience and security-related investment.
• Contribute to the development of future price review frameworks and regulatory processes.
• Undertake data analysis, critically evaluate technical assessments and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, documents and contributions to external publications.
• Work collaboratively with water companies, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and government departments.
• Share technical knowledge and expertise with colleagues, supporting wider regulatory and organisational objectives.

About you

You will have relevant experience within the water sector, ideally across water supply engineering, capital investment, environmental programmes, asset management, operational delivery or business planning.

You will also bring:

• A degree-level qualification in engineering, science or a similar technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience applying technical knowledge to deliver projects, assessments, operational activities or business outcomes within the water sector.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and use evidence to inform decisions.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to influence and collaborate across different organisations.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and exercise sound judgement while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Candidates with experience in water supply process management, water treatment, network reinforcement, interconnectivity, water resilience investment, water production operations or water company emergency planning may be particularly relevant.

Experience in physical or cyber security, investment planning or regulatory cost assessment would also be beneficial.

Salary and benefits

• Salary up to £50,000, depending on relevant experience and suitability.
• Fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027, with the possibility of extension or conversion to permanent.
• Birmingham or London office location.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and 2.5 additional privilege days.
• Civil Service pension arrangements.
• Professional membership fees paid.
• Up to three volunteering days per year.
• Development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and additional employee benefits.

Important information

Location: Birmingham or London
Salary: Up to £50,000
Contract: Fixed-term until 31 December 2027
Working arrangement: Hybrid and flexible
Closing date: 22 November 2026
Sifting: Week commencing 23 November 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 7 December 2026

Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams and will include a short presentation. Candidates will receive a selection of interview questions in advance as part of the organisation’s transparent interview process.

The appointment is subject to relevant Civil Service employment and security requirements, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Candidates would normally be expected to have been resident in the UK for the previous five years to meet SC residency requirements.

If you have experience in the water industry and are interested in a role combining technical assessment, water supply investment, infrastructure resilience and regulatory oversight, please get in touch with Advance TRS to discuss the opportunity.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.