Commercial Programme Lead

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:

•    We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£48,558 to £60,698).

•    Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year).

•    Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).

•    Development opportunities in line with the progression plan.

•    25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day!

•    Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.

•    A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.

•    Retail savings scheme.

•    Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Location: This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future.  Leeds/Bradford/Hybrid Working (1 office day a week).

Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday working rolling 4 day week to core hours. You will need to participate in an out of normal working hours stand by call out rota and be flexible to work outside of core hours.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Programme Lead to join the Commercial Assurance function at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?

What we do!

Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year, can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this.

We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.

New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Commercial Assurance function are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.

To lead the commercial transformational programme including, projects from inception to completion, ensuring delivery within budget, on time, and in compliance with contractual obligations. The role bridges project delivery and commercial assurance, driving value, managing risk, and ensuring robust governance. The Commercial Programme Lead will develop strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations and effective project delivery.

Where you fit in!

As our Commercial Programme Lead you will:

•    Managing a cost intelligence programme of individual projects (Cost Intelligence Dashboards) that are designed to provide commercial cost assurance confirming that supplier payments are in line with commercial agreements.

•    Ensure commercial project (cost intelligence dashboard/system) pipeline is managed to time, cost, and quality.

•    Take a leading role in organising and facilitating of the Commercial Governance Forum, tracking key decisions to drive sustainable business outcomes.

•    Collaborate with internal teams e.g., legal, finance, procurement, operational delivery.

•    You will ensure that programme/project risks, issues and dependencies are managed in line with business targets and that any opportunities are realised to improve performance.

•    Accountable for accurate forecasting and reporting of key project information to programme level reports and governing boards.

•    You will be a leader, confident and assertive, whilst maintaining a can-do attitude to problem solving and directing the wider project resources.

•    Responsible for developing strong excellent working relationships with key stakeholders.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

•    Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

•    Highly Organised: Being an effective time manager, capable of meeting timescales, with the ability to multi-task, as the role demands.

•    Programme Management: Strong project management skills, with experience in managing complex programmes. 

•    Proactive: Self-motivated and proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and driving change.

•    Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of commercial and procurement processes, including sourcing, contract management, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.

•    Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

•    Team Player: Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

•    Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

•    Stakeholder Management: Ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships with colleagues and customers.

You will also benefit from having:

•    Experience of managing transformational programmes in large organisations.

•    Qualified in change management practices or Project Management disciplines.

•    Previous experience gained within the water or utility industry.

•    Knowledge and understanding of commercial governance and the requirements of policy, procedure and processes and the impact on the business.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!

Do we sound like your cup of tea?

If you’ve got experience in cost intelligence programmes for individual projects (Cost Intelligence Dashboards) or similar and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!

Closing date for this role is 2nd December 2025.

Interviews will be held throughout December.

If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.

All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

No agencies please.