TOTEX Programme Governance Lead

Investment decisions shape how we deliver for customers today and protect our environment for the future.

As a TOTEX Programme Governance Lead you’ll play a critical role in making sure our Waste & Bioresources capital investment decisions are well‑governed, clearly evidenced and delivered right first time.

You’ll own the governance timetable for a significant investment portfolio, helping avoid last‑minute surprises and ensuring investment papers are high‑quality, timely and aligned to our end‑to‑end Investment Model. Working closely with operational leaders, sponsors, programme teams and governance forums, you’ll bring clarity, challenge and assurance — helping everyone understand what we’re getting for the money.

Base Location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 36 hours per week

What you'll be doing as a TOTEX Programme Governance Lead?
As a TOTEX Programme Governance Lead you’ll lead the programme management and governance activity required to support the Waste & Bioresources Directly Managed Capital plan. You’ll:

• Own and manage the investment governance timetable, ensuring submissions are planned, coordinated and delivered right first time.
• Draft high‑quality investment governance papers for programmes within the Directly Managed Capital portfolio.
• Track and articulate the benefits delivered through capital investment, making outcomes clear and tangible.
• Identify key risks across the programme and support the development and monitoring of mitigation plans.
• Monitor, track and report programme financials, benefits and progress, covering both capital and operational efficiencies.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Operations, Programme Management, Investment Governance and senior stakeholders.

The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role is:

• Demonstrable programme or project management experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to analyse information and support investment decisions.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and governance timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear, structured information to senior stakeholders.
• Strong IT literacy and confidence working with data and reporting tools.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Experience writing senior‑level or “investment‑ready” business cases or governance papers.
• A finance, business, or programme management qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with capital investment or infrastructure programmes.

What's in it for you?

• Offering a salary from £53,000 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)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution – company double matches up to 6% employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Access to Physiotherapy treatment if you have musculoskeletal complaints, whether work-related or not.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing including We care with access to 24-hour GP hotline.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

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 Wate r
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.