Infrastructure Engineering Manager
(This role is known as Programme Technical Manager once in the role)
(Two vacancies available)
We are seeking a senior engineering leader with the technical authority and strategic vision to shape one of the UK’s largest water or wastewater infrastructure programmes, valued between £500m and £1bn.
This pivotal role sits at the heart of our capital delivery transformation. As Infrastructure Engineering Lead, you will set technical direction, develop high‑performing teams, and ensure complex, multi‑year programmes are delivered safely, sustainably and efficiently.
Your leadership will play a key role in modernising critical national infrastructure and building long‑term resilience for the communities we serve.
What you’ll be doing as an Infrastructure Engineering Manager
In this role, you will shape outcomes that truly matter:
Provide technical leadership across major water or wastewater treatment programmes, from early concept through delivery and handover to Operations.
Lead, mentor and inspire a multi‑disciplinary engineering function, from Apprentices to Principal Engineers, fostering a culture centred on safety, inclusion, wellbeing and professional development.
Set and embed the technical strategy, standards and governance required to assure quality, safety and regulatory compliance across complex programmes.
Work collaboratively with internal teams, delivery partners, consultants and contractors to proactively manage risk and drive successful outcomes.
Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, regulators and stakeholders, confidently influencing decisions on risk, value and technical direction.
Champion continuous improvement, challenging existing ways of working, promoting innovation and sharing best practice across the programme.Location & Working Pattern
Based at an office within the Thames Water catchment area
Hybrid working – typically 2–3 days per week in the office and on site
36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
£5,800 per annum car allowance (full UK driving licence and access to personal transport required)What you’ll bring to the role
We’re looking for an experienced engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong people leadership:
Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with membership of a relevant professional body.
Significant leadership experience within engineering, infrastructure, project or construction environments (water sector experience advantageous but not essential).
Strong commercial and contractual awareness, with a deep understanding of risk, value management and lifecycle decision‑making.
Experience developing business cases and strategic Project Briefs.
Knowledge of the regulatory environment and its influence on major infrastructure programmes.
Proven ability to define and embed processes relating to technical assurance, quality, documentation and continuous improvement.
Excellent communication, coaching and influencing skills, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
Experience in resource planning, productivity improvement and leading teams to deliver to time, cost and quality objectives.What’s in it for you?
Salary for this role is between £80,000 and £89,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
Annual Bonus opportunity.
Private Medical Health Care.
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company 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.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 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. 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
Salary description
£80000.00 - £89000.00 per year