The UK water industry will be undergoing its biggest investment ever of £104bn during 2025-2030. This will enable development of water supply and sewerage infrastructure to improve delivery including dealing with sewerage outflows, and using innovative techniques for decarbonisation and nature-based solutions for what is the UK’s fourth most energy intensive industry.
A growing and competitive supply chain is essential to delivery of these plans supported by a strong research and innovation community. Given the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)’s responsibility for economic growth and supporting businesses to invest, grow and export we have an important role to play.
Situated in the Construction, Infrastructure and Energy Directorate in DBT’s Business Group, the job holder will be integral to contributing to a DBT centre of expertise for water so that the business needs and interests for the sector are understood and incorporated where relevant into DBT and wider Government policy and delivery. They will manage a number of relationships both within DBT and businesses. They will work with the Grade 7 to engage with other government departments such as the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Ofwat, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), to ensure investment needs and concerns about return on investment are considered in the introduction of new legislation and enforcement of regulation in the current challenging investment climate for the sector.
Close collaboration with DBT and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) colleagues in overseas posts is essential in supporting the development of supply chain capacity including attracting foreign direct investment into the sector, and growth of the supply chain through exports. Demand for the UK’s sophisticated water offer is growing due to urbanisation and climate change. The UK is well positioned to deliver both domestically and internationally; for example, on digital water, efficiency, and digital technologies to design resilient, smart cities. The team supports UK business in accessing such international opportunities including through international partnerships.
We are committed to creating a positive, motivating, and inclusive working environment for everyone. We are looking for people who can contribute to our culture as well as what we deliver.
DBT is a fantastic place to work, with wide ranging responsibilities across the economy that provide the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives and the prosperity of the UK.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Developing an understanding of the UK water sector across the utilities, supply chain, investors, innovators and research institutions including levers and drivers for growth, and keeping up-to-date with developments to be able to inform and influence related policy development.
* Leading relationships with a range of external stakeholders such as British Water, and working with the team to collaborate with colleagues across DBT and Whitehall such as DBT’s Economic Regulation team, the Investor Relations team, DEFRA, DSIT, and UK Export Finance.
* Working with the Grade 7 to develop an investor conducive environment for the water utilities and contributing as relevant to changes to the regulatory environment ensuring business interests are central to policy development.
* Supporting the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) in mapping the sector’s supply chain, to understand and highlight innovation and excellence to generate economic growth potential and opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment, and develop and deliver a plan working with DBT colleagues to realise such opportunities.
* Understanding international policy developments likely to open up new trade opportunities for the UK’s water offer, and developing and leading market campaigns for projects in few priority markets, such as Brazil and the Philippines.
* Owning and maintaining internal and external material to share knowledge on the sector.
* Line management of one HEO.
Some international travel might be required.
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