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Join Ofwat’s Wales and Government Team as a Government Engagement Principal

* Office Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) or London (E14 4HD) with hybrid working *

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our work has genuine significance – no other organisation does the work we do. It’s unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills don’t cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life.

The Role

We have an opportunity for a Government Engagement Principal to join our Wales and Government Team.

As a Principal in the Government Engagement team, you will play a crucial role in facilitating interactions between Ofwat and various stakeholders within different UK government departments. This position is designed to ensure effective communication and collaboration with these stakeholders to support Ofwat's objectives and initiatives.

Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment you will participate in open policy debates, sharing views, challenging assumptions and representing the team and Ofwat. Extensive external engagement will include building consensus with stakeholders as well as defending and explaining our policies when necessary.

Developing and maintaining excellent relationships will be key to this role, where networks of influence will need to be built. You'll be responsible for key interactions with UK Government and will support our CEO and Chair's interactions with these organisations as well as with Ministers.

About You

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:

  • Proven experience in UK government engagement, public affairs, or a related field;
  • Demonstratable understanding of the UK government structure and processes;
  • Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of (political) stakeholders;
  • Experience of analysing complex information to construct advice and inform recommendations;
  • Experience of working collaboratively and flexibly within a fast-paced evolving environment;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to tailor your communication style and messaging for different audiences;
  • Experience of meeting challenging deadlines, managing multiple priorities while demonstrating the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Why Join Us

  • Meaningful Impact: Contribute to our purpose to drive water companies to deliver more for customers and the environment;
  • Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile working and a culture of trust, flexibility, and collaboration;
  • Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting;
  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with meaningful collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices.

Other Benefits

  • Excellent employer pension contribution of over 28%;
  • 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave;
  • Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership;
  • Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies;
  • Up to 3 volunteering days per year;
  • Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work;
  • Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.

To Apply

Please click on the Apply button below for more information and to download the Candidate Pack, and when applying please clearly state that you saw the role through the PubAffairs network.

Apply online

  • Fill out the short form below and upload your CV.

Closing date

The closing date for applications for this post is 11:55pm on Sunday 6th April 2025