About the job

Job summary

We’re Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority – a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. 

As the economic regulator of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, communities and the environment now and in the future. We also oversee the markets in the water sector to ensure they’re working for customers.   

But for us, change is more than what happens on the outside – we’ve always pushed boundaries internally, too. From becoming the first Civil Service organisation to achieve ‘Smarter Working’ status, to gaining our prestigious ‘Smarter Working Maturity’ award, we’ve consistently demonstrated our commitment to embracing innovative ways of working. We know our people do their best work when given freedom over where, when, and how they work. Which is why we trust them to do exactly that.  

You can find out more about why you should join Ofwat, our strategy, values and our framework for success in the attached Information for Candidates Pack. 

Job description

***Internal Job Title – Programme Ocean Lead***

The Data Platform Lead is a new role created with the purpose to drive forwards and lead the development of an exciting new regulatory data platform titled Programme Ocean. This programme is wider than an IT or Data led project and will transform the way we use data and modernise our data platform. It is a fundamental part of Ofwat’s Strategy “Time to act, together” which identifies the need for driving up performance and efficiency, enabling the water industry to better face the challenges ahead.

Working in collaboration with the Head of Data Strategy, you will own the delivery, support, maintenance, and change delivery for Programme Ocean. You will be accountable for each stage of the development process through to the final product, ensuring the delivery of a product that both meets the current needs of stakeholders and future proofs Ofwat regarding its data platform and data proficiency/strategy. This multiyear programme will require collaboration with an external delivery partner to supplement internal capability. Its success will also rely on significant business input. Therefore, you will also play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between delivery partner and business teams.'

 Key deliverables:

In this role you will be expected to:

• Lead the development and implementation of Programme Ocean, working closely with policy teams/ other specialists across Ofwat and external suppliers.
• Effectively Manage and influence external delivery partners.
• Lead development stages and planning the product roadmap.
• Defining product features that will support stakeholders needs.
• Adopting a continuous product improvement approach.
• Drive and maintain uncompromised product quality standards.
• Work in partnership and foster strong and appropriate links with key stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Take a proactive approach to risk management and benefit maximisation.
• Lead project governance arrangements for the programme.
• Produce Project delivery Reports as needed for Senior Leadership Team & associated committees.
• Manage project/ activity/ initiative schedules and ensure that all tasks are performed accurately and efficiently.
• Work with Head of Data Strategy and Director of IT to lead the development and roll-out of modern technology and tools across the organisation to allow us to make better use of data and technology.
• Quickly develop and maintain strong relationships across the organisation to develop a community of interest for the Ocean programme and to ensure necessary business engagement.
• Ensure clear definition and communications of requirements through user cases and adherence to their acceptance criteria.
• Lead the procurement activity and engage and manage consultants through delivery phase.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need the below essential attributes, experience, skills and knowledge:

Experience, skills and knowledge 

• Proven experience in leading Data Transformation Projects [Lead Criteria].
• Extensive experience in product development and project governance [Lead Citeria].
• Extensive experience in Project Management and Management of external consultants
• Deep and thorough knowledge of agile processes and principles
• Strong technical skills and experienced in translating product roadmaps into backlogs to prioritise delivery of the best value outcomes.
• Software Development and knowledge of the continuous improvement of live systems
• Deep understanding of procurement practices relating to data/IT.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership skill.

Attributes 

• Delivers Outcomes
• Promotes Collaboration
• Champion & Leader of Change

Attributes as per Ofwat's Framework for Success for Principal grade. You can read more about Attributes here.

Benefits

Why You Should Join Us: 

We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and we have a unique culture fostered by trust, flexibility and respect.

With us, your work matters, your voice is heard, and your impact is felt. Ours s a culture of trust, flexibility, autonomy, collaboration, and innovation. We all want positive change for water customers, the environment, and the future of water.  

You will also benefit from:

• Excellent employer pension contributions, for this role ranging from £15,350 to 
  £25,418. You can find further details about pension schemes under Terms and Conditions in the Candidate Pack.
• 27.5 days leave (25 days annual leave + 2.5 days privilege leave) increasing to max 32.5 days with each year of service), plus bank holidays
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail 
  outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Regular development opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Season ticket loan for home-to-office travel.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

How to apply

Apply through the Civil Service Jobs website where you’ll be asked to create an account and complete an application form (CV and personal statement). If you’re unable to make an electronic application, please contact recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk and we will support you in completing your application.

Please ensure you have submitted your application in full ahead of the deadline listed below. Unfortunately, we won't be able to consider late applications.

Selection timetable

• Closing date: 07.01.24
• Sifting: WC 08.01.24
• Interview date(s): WC 15.01.24

Assessment process

Sift Stage

At sift stage we assess your application against key essential skills, experience, and knowledge, listed in the professional requirements section above. 

In your application, please state clearly how your skills, experience, and knowledge meet the essential criteria.

In the event of receiving a large number of applications, a pre-sift may take place on just the following lead criteria:

• Proven experience in leading Data Transformation Projects.
• Extensive experience in product development and project governance.

In your personal statement, please tell us how your skills and experience meet the lead criteria, with examples if appropriate. 

You may find the STAR method useful in structuring your personal statement. 

Interview Stage

We will assess your Experience, Skills and Knowledge as well as Attributes (set out in the professional requirements section) at Interview Stage.

You can read more about Attributes in Ofwat’s Framework for Success.

As part of the interview process, we will require a short presentation. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates upon invitation to interview.

Please note that the interviews will be conducted via video conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams.

If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, selection process, or you require any reasonable adjustments please email recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk.

Please read the attached "Candidate Information Pack" for details on terms and conditions.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.