About this role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Strategic Water Resource Options team within Environment and Business (E&B) as a Programme Manager. The team leads the development of new water supply infrastructure to support long term water resilience. As Programme Manager, you will map out and oversee the end-to-end regulatory requirements expected of us as water company infrastructure schemes progress through necessary stages of development. You will identify risks and issues and establish project approaches around these, enabling their successful resolution ahead of the needs of the programme. You will lead the programme team, providing clear direction and support, and work closely with project managers and subject matter experts. You will oversee programme level risk and issue management, escalating key risks to the Water Portfolio Board and securing appropriate support from our Directors where required. A key part of the role initially will be to fully embed the agreed governance structure to enable rapid escalation and decision making. External engagement will also be important in this role. You will maintain routine links with RAPID and Ofwat Major Projects, making efficient use of shared information where appropriate. You will also need to engage with water companies to understand the full picture of programme challenges and to link with and share information with similar roles. An understanding of water resource planning, infrastructure delivery or regulatory processes is important, alongside strong communication and organisational skills. The role is aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF). Further information is available on GOV.UK by searching “Project Delivery Capability Framework”. This is a national role supporting a geographically dispersed team and can be based at any EA office. Occasional national travel and overnight stays will be required. The team The Water Resource Infrastructure Programme Team (WRIPT) sits within the Water Directorate, supporting delivery of nationally important water supply infrastructure. We work closely with water companies, regulators and teams across the business to provide consistent advice on new water infrastructure proposals. The team focuses on large scale projects such as reservoirs, inter regional transfers, water recycling and desalination schemes, from early strategic planning through to preparation for consents/permits. Occasional national travel and overnight stays will be required. Experience/skills required • Significant experience of planning, resource management, risk/issue management and governance in a project/ programme environment. • Working knowledge of scheduling, budgeting and cost management, business case development, business change and implementation, change control, assurance, and benefits management. • Detailed knowledge of project methodologies and frameworks. • A visible leader with experience of promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting differences. • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, managing complex pieces of work that have lots of dependencies. • Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. • Excellent written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and challenge effectively. Knowledge and experience of Project Management Methodology supported by professional qualifications such as: • PRINCE2 Practitioner • Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner • APM Project Management Qualification • APM Chartered Project Professional • Project Leadership Programme • Leading and Managing Project Workstreams