Data Platform Lead

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. 

***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.

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.

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.

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
• Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk