Thank you for your interest in this senior critical role.
Ofwat is an organisation with a well-developed purpose. We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We constantly push the boundaries and embrace new ways of working. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and there is a culture of trust, flexibility and respect. We want everyone to take responsibility for their actions and work whilst considering the impact on others. As a learning organisation, we actively embrace new ways of working and provide the freedom to our people to work smarter, achieving a work life balance.
We strive to ensure our people feel connected and valued, and for every voice to matter. You will be provided with the space and support to shape your future while taking greater control of your own growth and development.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic we were the first Civil Service organisation to achieve Smarter Working status. We have developed this further through our hybrid working during the pandemic and have won awards for our ways of working as we spend more time in person again.
Senior Director Communications
Context
The Senior Director for Communications will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and lead the communications team. The communications team has approximately 16 members and is responsible for:
- Managing Ofwat’s external reputation.
- Our external engagement with a range of stakeholders.
- Ownership of our communication channels.
- Working with customer research to generate insight through listening to customers across England and Wales.
- Internal engagement with all our people.
This is challenging work, managing high profile and demanding issues which generate significant public and stakeholder interest. The ability to work flexibly and to respond quickly to changing events and to work collaboratively with colleagues is essential. You will be required to provide advice and counsel to senior colleagues, sometimes at short notice or out of hours. Alongside this, you will be key to ensuring that the communications team continues to innovate, collaborate and work flexibly to support everyone’s wellbeing and deliver the best outcomes.
This is a wide-ranging role and duties and responsibilities may evolve over time.
Key deliverables
Reporting to the Chief Executive the successful candidate will:
- Provide effective, strong, and inspirational leadership to deliver great outcomes for customers and the environment, whilst helping Ofwat to set the agenda for the water sector.
- Manage Ofwat’s reputation, navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment, horizon scanning and advising on organisational positioning and response.
- Lead Ofwat’s stakeholder engagement, building our reach and influence and building a culture of engagement across Ofwat.
- Be responsible for Ofwat’s communications planning, using tailored and targeted internal and external communications and engagement for maximum impact.
- Take ownership of Ofwat’s communications channels to deliver appropriate and engaging content, relevant for different audiences.
- Inspire and enable the team to deliver in line with our SAILOR values.
- Work with senior colleagues to provide effective corporate leadership for the whole of Ofwat.
- Maintain and evolve an inclusive culture within the organisation where our people are representative of the communities we serve, and everyone is valued, treated fairly, and empowered to thrive. You will also support our people to sustain a work life balance and get the best from hybrid working.
Duration and location
This role is based at our London or Birmingham office, and this will be your designated place of work with regular travel between our offices. Ofwat is an inclusive employer and agile working is an important part of our culture. We believe spending regular time together in person is important to support collaboration, build and sustain relationships with others, and supports the delivery of Ofwat’s business outcomes. Working from the office will provide opportunities for face-to-face interaction and connection, in-person meetings, and networking. As a member of the SLT you will be expected to spend regular time in the office.
This post is open to full-time (37 hours per week), flexible working, part-time or job-share.
This is a permanent role.