Major Projects Operational Lead

Starting salary £45,540, salary depending on skills and experience
Full time, 37 hours a week

Permanent

Hybrid working, Peterborough office

Number of positions: 2

Anglian Water offers a flexible approach; this role provides you with hybrid working.
 

Anglian Water has an ambitious programme of major infrastructure development that supports delivery of our WRMP24, WRMP29 and broader long term delivery strategy objectives.  As the largest programme in the industry this requires the integration of a number of mega-projects with novel delivery mechanisms into the operational landscape of the company.

With an in-depth understanding of either physical operational assets or digital systems relating to water supply or water recycling operations, this role will be key to bringing operational insight into the development phase of Major Projects, contributing to the development of Operational Strategies appropriate for novel delivery approaches (eg under SIPR & DPC) that ensure the safe, seamless integration of physical and digital assets and systems into Anglian Water's existing operational landscape.

You will work with development teams to influence and embed these strategies in the design and development phase of projects including reservoirs, desalination plants and advanced water recycling projects.

This will require a strong understanding of operational activities, but also the ability to think differently, challenge the norm and work collaboratively to ensure that solutions are operable, protect customers interests and ensure operational risk is appropriately considered and managed throughout the whole project life cycle.

Key Accountabilities:

• As part of our Major Projects team, you'll play a vital role in shaping the successful delivery of some of Anglian Water's most significant infrastructure schemes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving operational excellence – providing expert operational input into the design, development, and commissioning of major projects, ensuring practical and efficient solutions that stand the test of time.

• Developing and implementing O&M strategies – collaborating with project and development teams to create effective operations and maintenance approaches that support smooth integration into day-to-day operations and innovative delivery models like DPC and SIPR.

• Championing safety in design and operation – embedding health, safety and wellbeing throughout the project lifecycle, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring lessons learned shape future designs and practices.

• Continuous improvement – identifying opportunities to enhance processes, drive innovation, and strengthen operational interfaces across the business.

What we're looking for?

• Excellent communication skills, with a clear and confident style.

• Strong collaboration and negotiation abilities, with a proven track record of delivering results in a partnership-focused environment.

• The ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including external partners and regulatory bodies.

• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, able to act decisively in complex situations where precedent may not exist.

• A strong sense of ownership and accountability, driving progress and outcomes.

• A proactive mindset to challenge, innovate and continuously improve ways of working and project delivery.

• Significant experience of the operation of water or water recycling assets on a day to day basis

• Experience of the safe operation of hazardous waste/water treatment processes e.g. handling of chlorine gas, sludge treatment, DSEAR rated areas

• Experience of developing processes or standards through continuous improvement

• Experience of the capital delivery process including some of: commercial awareness, milestone processes & project management

• Technical understanding of: process design, mechanical/electrical/civil design, plant optimisation, plant maintenance, or construction processes  

As a valued employee you'll be entitled to:

• Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double-matches your contributions up to 6%

• Personal private health care

• Annual bonus scheme

• 26 days leave, rising with service + Bank Holidays, with the option to swap Christmas and Easter holidays for those celebrated by your religion

• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle

Why Anglian Water?
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping some of Anglian Water's largest and most innovative infrastructure projects. You'll have the chance to influence design and delivery from the ground up — ensuring our assets are safe, efficient, and sustainable for the future.

You'll work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams, help embed operational excellence into major project delivery, and contribute to the success of pioneering delivery models like DPC and SIPR.

Closing date: 9th November 2025