We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

ABOUT US

Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023. Most recently, we celebrated the win again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.

The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Wealth

Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
Bonus potential
Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
Income protection scheme
Personal accident insurance
4x salary life assurance
Free onsite parking

Time off

24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
A day off for your birthday
Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
The option to buy holidays
1 day paid volunteering

Wellbeing

Hybrid/Flexible working
Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Annual conference and Christmas party
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Free flu shots

Family Friendly

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family

THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

This is a senior role driving Wave’s operational strategic delivery plan and the wider smart programme in the water industry, which is undergoing major transformation with smart meter deployment. The Programme Manager will:

Lead complex programmes: Oversee all workstreams, managing timelines, risks, budgets, and stakeholder requirements to deliver maximum value and customer satisfaction.
Enable collaboration: Ensure internal teams and external partners work together effectively, maintaining compliance and risk management.
Support strategic projects: Contribute to other key initiatives across operations to align with business strategy and budget.
Bring expertise: Proven experience in leading large, cross-functional change programmes, strong agile methodology knowledge, and excellent communication and influencing skills.
Desirable: Utility sector experience and familiarity with programme management tools and methodologies.

In short, it’s about turning strategic vision into actionable steps, driving change, and ensuring successful delivery in an evolving industry.

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

You’ll be working directly with your colleagues and the Operations Director as well as other teams across Wave and external parties. Monitoring delivery of key actions and milestones, aligning communications across teams as well as taking in new information and developments to adapt and flex the approach to deliver for our customers and stakeholders.

Having support and strategic guidance from the Operations Director and Wave Leadership teams whilst being empowered to manage time, workstreams, risks and technical development. Investigating existing issues, gaps, root causes and gaining cross business insight for potential solutions and fixes.

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?

Skills/ Experience

Proven Project Leadership – Hands-on experience managing complex programmes and projects from start to finish, with strong knowledge of agile methodologies.
Excellent Communication Skills – Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, supported by clear written and verbal communication.
Digitally Proficient & Organised – Confident using MS Office and project management tools (e.g., Jira), with strong analytical skills and a focus on time, cost, and benefit tracking.
Change Management Expertise – Skilled at driving large-scale change initiatives, supporting teams through transition, and embedding new processes effectively.

Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.

Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.

BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER

Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.

Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.

Closing date: 4pm on 18th January 2026

Interviews are planned for 2nd February 2026

Programme Manager - Operations