Transformative Programme Lead

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for transformation? Join us as our Transformative Programme Lead on a Permanent/Fixed Term Contract and spearhead a multi-year change programme that will redefine how we serve our customers. This is your opportunity to drive innovation, embed a customer-first culture, and make a lasting impact across our organisation.
In this pivotal role, you'll lead a major multi-year change programme, shaping the future of our customer service. You will oversee the delivery of a new operating model, drive digital and system improvements, and ensure seamless transformation across multiple business divisions.

What you will be doing as our Transformative Programme Lead: you’ll coordinate workstreams, align commercial and operational initiatives, and keep our people engaged while embedding a customer-first culture. This is your chance to deliver lasting impact at scale, improving performance and satisfaction for both colleagues and customers.

Key accountabilities

• Lead large-scale, multi-divisional change programmes, covering people, systems, and operating models.
• Oversee a portfolio of initiatives, ensuring delivery to budget, compliance standards, and customer needs.
• Coordinate and support workstream leads, keeping programmes on track while maintaining business continuity.
• Provide strategic advice and data-led insights to senior stakeholders on critical decisions.
• Plan and allocate resources effectively, motivating teams and stakeholders to deliver change.
• Build readiness for change, embedding new ways of working and a customer-first culture.

What you should bring to the role

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

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Skilled at operating, leading and influencing effectively within complex matrix organisations.
• Experienced in applying RAID management methodologies to ensure robust risk and issue control.
• Adept at preparing and delivering concise, insightful communications tailored to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experienced in leading digital initiatives, including systemic changes, developments and major change programmes.
• Highly analytical with an evidence-based approach, providing clear recommendations and strategic direction.
• Committed to values-driven leadership, demonstrating collaboration and inclusive ways of working.
• Resilient and delivery-focused, with the ability to achieve results at pace and overcome resistance.

What’s in it for you? 

• A Competitive starting salary of £80,000 and up to £120,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance.
• Annual Bonus.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself 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

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.