Head of Operational Interface

Job Description

Location: Hybrid with Thorpe Wood House as base location
Salary: Circa £104k subject to experience
Contract Type: Permanent Full Time (Flexibility for Part Time)

At Anglian Water our values are that together, we will: Build trust, do the right thing, and we are always exploring.

About the Role

We are looking for a Head of Operational Interface to provide strategic leadership across the capital delivery lifecycle, ensuring operational needs are fully represented from concept through to delivery and aftercare.

In this role, you will lead Operational Liaison and Assurance teams, acting as the critical link between Operations, Engineering, Asset Management and delivery partners. You will ensure solutions are safe, operable, viable and environmentally sustainable, with a strong focus on long-term performance and customer outcomes.

This is a high-impact leadership role within the Anglian Water Engineering team, where you will influence decision-making, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and ensure operational risk is designed out wherever possible.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Reporting to the Anglian Water Engineering Director, lead and develop a team of operational and assurance leads, who are aligned to capital delivery portfolios across programmes and regions

• Ensure appropriate allocation of expertise across projects

• Foster collaboration, accountability and continuous development within the team

Lead Operational Representation (Capital Delivery Lifecycle)

• Represent operational priorities throughout design, construction, commissioning and aftercare

• Provide expert input at key project milestones and assurance gateways (e.g. Technical Assurance Group)

• Partner with project teams and operational leaders to deliver “best for business” outcomes

• Ensure operational readiness and seamless handover of engineering projects.

Champion Safety in Design and Operation

• Embed a strong safety culture across all capital projects

• Ensure operational safety requirements are considered at every stage

• Support design solutions that minimise long-term operational risk

• Promote safe interaction between construction activities and live operations

Stakeholder Engagement and Influence

• Build strong, trusted relationships across Operations, Engineering and Delivery

• Manage complex or conflicting priorities to reach effective outcomes

• Act as a visible leader across sites, maintaining close connection to operational teams

Continuous Improvement

• Capture and embed learning from projects and operational experience

• Support the evolution of standards, processes and asset performance

• Drive innovation and benchmarking across internal and external networks

About You

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You may be a great fit if you bring:

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience

• Strong experience in, or awareness of, operational management within water or water recycling

• Knowledge of hazardous process environments (e.g. DSEAR, chemical handling, process safety)

• Experience working within capital delivery or large infrastructure programmes

• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and conflict resolution skills

• Technical understanding of engineering disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical or civil)

You will also be:

• A visible and values-led leader

• Comfortable working across complex, fast-paced environments

• Solutions-focused, with strong commercial and operational awareness

• Passionate about safety, sustainability and continuous improvement

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

• Personal private health care

• 25 days annual leave – rising with length of service + bank holidays.

• Flexible working

• Business use of car allowance

• Yearly bonus scheme based on company performance.

• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle.

• Competitive pension scheme - Double Matched Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme up to 7%

• Generous maternity and paternity package

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we are here to support you.

Closing Date: 3rd June 2026

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