Economic Development Consultant jobs

Ready to Make a Real Impact?

We're looking for someone who thrives on bringing people together, solving problems and turning great ideas into meaningful results. If you enjoy working across teams, challenging thinking in a positive way and driving improvement, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As part of our newly established Capital Efficiency team, you'll play a key role in helping some of Thames Water's largest capital programmes identify smarter ways of working, unlock value and deliver tangible savings. You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders, build influential relationships and help shape how efficiency is embedded across the organisation.

Whether your experience comes from utilities, infrastructure, engineering, construction, transport or another asset-intensive environment, we'd love to hear from you. If you're excited by the opportunity to join a growing team, influence change and leave a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.

Join us and help build a culture where great ideas become real results.

As a Capital Efficiency Partner, you will:

• Be the day-to-day efficiency contact for project and programme teams across capital delivery.
• Bring teams together to identify opportunities and turn ideas into measurable efficiencies.
• Design and facilitate engaging workshops that lead to clear decisions, actions and ownership.
• Guide opportunity owners from the initial idea through evidence gathering, validation and approval, while they retain accountability for implementation and benefits realisation.
• Coordinate input from Finance, Engineering, commercial teams and other specialists.
• Keep actions moving, constructively challenge delays and escalate unresolved barriers.
• Act as a quality custodian for the Capital Efficiency Register, helping owners improve incomplete or inconsistent information.
• Share learning and good practice across delivery teams to support a consistent approach.

Based at Clearwater Court, this hybrid role blends office, site and stakeholder working, typically 2–4 days per week. A full driving licence and access to transport are required.

What You Should Bring to the Role

• Strong coordination and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience facilitating multidisciplinary workshops or working sessions.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Excellent organisation, communication and attention to detail.
• Experience progressing initiatives, efficiencies, benefits or improvement opportunities.
• Experience within capital delivery, projects, programmes or an asset-intensive environment.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and turn discussions into clear actions and outcomes.

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• Experience in infrastructure sectors such as utilities, power, roads, rail or major construction.
• Knowledge of capital efficiency, benefits realisation or continuous improvement.
• Experience working with Finance, commercial, Engineering, Asset Planning or PMO teams.
• Familiarity with governance, approval processes and maintaining registers or reporting information.
• A relevant project, programme, PMO, commercial or continuous-improvement qualification.

Water-sector experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in the transferable skills and fresh perspectives you could bring.

What's in it for you?

This is your opportunity to join a brand-new Capital Efficiency team and help shape how one of the UK's largest infrastructure organisations delivers value. You'll work alongside senior leaders, project teams and specialists across major capital programmes, influencing decisions, driving improvement and turning innovative ideas into measurable results.

• Competitive salary paying up to £61,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Annual personal medical assessments available to all employees.
• 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.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.

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.

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.

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.

Pay: Up to £61,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person