Business Specialist Lead

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for driving change? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your expertise shapes the future of large-scale operations?

Thames Water is looking for a Business Specialist Lead on a 13 - 18 month Fixed Term Contract/Secondment to join our programme team at the Design stage, reporting directly to the Head of Programme. As part of the senior leadership team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our organisation is ready to embrace new processes, systems, and ways of working. Your work will enable a smooth transition and deliver maximum business value.

• Lead Business Readiness Planning: Develop and maintain a comprehensive plan aligned to the programme timeline, identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
• Shape Future Processes: Collaborate with process owners and subject matter experts to define and embed new operating models.
• Build Capability: Define training needs, oversee design and delivery, and ensure teams are equipped for success.
• Engage Stakeholders: Create clear communication plans, facilitate workshops, and act as the key liaison between project and business units.
• Drive Adoption: Conduct impact assessments, support change management activities, and track readiness metrics.
• Ensure Go-Live Success: Coordinate cutover activities, business continuity planning, and provide post-launch support.

• Proven experience delivering large-scale change in complex customer service environments (telephony and back office).
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Expertise in business readiness, change management, or transformation programmes.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of process design and training development methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• (Collections knowledge is a bonus but not essential.)
• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
• Change Management certification (e.g., Prosci).
• Experience in large-scale transformation or system implementation projects, with familiarity in both Waterfall and Agile approaches.

• A competitive starting salary of £60,000 and up to £67,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Annual leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you 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. Location

  Hybrid - Walnut Court - SN2 8BN (2 days in the office per week)

  Hours

  36 hours per week

  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.

  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.

  Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us?

  Learn more.

  Disclaimer

  Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.