Head of IP Mobilisation

We’re looking for a Head of IP Mobilisation to lead the strategic planning, development, implementation, and readiness testing of the future delivery organisation (the ‘Future IP’) for SESRO - a proposed major new reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of water infrastructure and leave a lasting legacy.

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape an organisation ahead of a multibillion-pound capital raise. That process will be similar to preparing a company for merger or acquisition. We’re seeking a strategic leader who can navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, build robust people processes and systems, and bring experience of delivery within a regulatory environment. From setting up companies to managing stakeholder relationships at the highest level, this role demands vision, resilience, and the ability to deliver at pace.

What you’ll be doing as a Head of IP Mobilisation
As the Head of IP Mobilisation, you’ll be responsible for:

• Driving the strategic planning, development, and establishment of the Future IP, ensuring it is mature, tested, and capable of operating independently ahead of a multi-billion-pound capital raise.
• Leading the implementation of the strategic plan to establish the Future IP, including the separation from Thames Water, following financial close, and negotiating transitional arrangements for key contracts, IT, and HR.
• Navigating and managing complex internal stakeholder landscapes, supporting governance processes, and collaborating across HR, Finance, Digital, and Legal.
• Building and leading a core team, drawing on expertise from across Thames Water.
• Overseeing readiness testing and due diligence of the Future IP organisation ahead of the procurement process.
• Supporting the transition of the Future IP to new investors at financial close and embedding regulatory, financing, and shareholder requirements into business processes and systems.

Base location: Vauxhall, London.
Working pattern or hours: 36 hours per week with a split of office & home working. 2-3 days per week in the office.
Necessary requirements for the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• A successful track record in leadership roles on large infrastructure projects.
• Experience delivering complex operating models and/or change and transformation programmes.
• Project management experience, with a talent for getting things done in challenging environments.
• Proven ability to influence at an Executive level and manage conflicting stakeholder views.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Self-starter, resilient and tenacious under pressure, with creative problem-solving skills.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., RAB, water sector DPC/SIPR, or energy sector OFTO).
• Experience with planning and change management for mergers or acquisitions.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering up to £138,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays) 
• Car Allowance
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• 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

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.