Senior Strategic Planning Manager

Senior Strategy Manager

Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure in the East of England

Location: East of England / Hybrid Working

At Anglian Water's @one Alliance, we're not just delivering infrastructure projects. We're transforming the way water is managed for future generations.

The East of England is one of the most water-stressed regions in the UK. Population growth, climate change, environmental pressures and increasing customer expectations are driving the need for unprecedented investment and innovation. As we prepare for AMP8 delivery and shape the future of AMP9, we're looking for an exceptional Senior Strategic Planning Manager to help lead this transformation.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at executive level, influencing strategic decision-making across one of the UK's largest and most ambitious infrastructure programmes.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Alliance Director, you will act as the critical link between the Integrated Main Works Alliance and Anglian Water, ensuring strategic priorities, regulatory commitments and delivery performance remain fully aligned.

You’ll lead strategic planning, governance, performance assurance and executive reporting activities, providing insight that enables informed decision-making across the Alliance. Working closely with senior leaders, partner organisations and client stakeholders, you'll help drive business performance, manage strategic risks and support the development of Anglian Water's future investment programme, including contributions to the PR29 Business Plan.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring a blend of strategic thinking, stakeholder influence, operational understanding and commercial awareness.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Lead strategic planning and business performance activities across the Alliance.
• Ensure clear alignment between client priorities, regulatory obligations and delivery outcomes.
• Support the Alliance Director and Executive Leadership Team in developing and implementing long-term strategy.
• Provide executive-level insight, challenge and recommendations to inform key business decisions.
• Drive governance frameworks and assurance processes that support excellence in delivery.

Performance & Programme Assurance

• Oversee the monitoring and reporting of Price Control Deliverables (PCDs).
• Analyse business performance, forecast future risks and identify opportunities across a 2-3 year horizon.
• Develop robust programme assurance processes covering time, cost and quality.
• Ensure reporting is accurate, timely and supported by effective governance.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the principal strategic interface between the Alliance and Anglian Water.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Provide clear visibility of performance, emerging risks and future priorities.
• Represent the Alliance in executive forums and key strategic discussions.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Support the transition from AMP8 into AMP9 delivery.
• Help shape organisational transformation initiatives across the Alliance.
• Embed lessons learned, client feedback and best practice into business planning and performance improvement.
• Champion innovation, sustainability and environmental stewardship across programmes.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced strategic leader who thrives in complex, collaborative environments and can influence at the highest levels.

Essential Experience

• Significant leadership experience within programme delivery, business management, strategic planning or performance management.
• Experience operating within complex infrastructure, utilities, engineering, construction or regulated industries.
• Strong track record of executive reporting, governance and performance assurance.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Ability to turn complex data into meaningful strategic insight.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Experience

• Water industry experience and knowledge of AMP delivery.
• Understanding of regulatory performance frameworks and Price Control Deliverables (PCDs).
• Experience working within alliance, joint venture or collaborative delivery models.
• Degree qualified and/or professionally accredited in Business Management, Programme Management, Engineering, Leadership or related disciplines.
• MSP, APM, PRINCE2, MBA, Chartered Status or equivalent qualifications.

Why Join @one Alliance?

The @one Alliance is a collaborative partnership of industry-leading organisations working together to deliver Anglian Water's capital investment programme. We are pioneering new ways of working, challenging traditional delivery models and making a lasting impact on the environment and communities we serve.

Apply today to make difference to your career and the region we serve.

Closing date: 2 December 2026

About Us

The Anglian Water @one Alliance is a collaborative organisation of consultants and contractors working together to deliver a significant portion of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme.

We design and construct water and water recycling (waste water) treatment centres that serve more than six million people in the East of England and maintain and improve the water mains and the sewerage network in the region.

With an eye firmly on carbon reduction and creating a more sustainable world - we are always looking for the very best people who are ready to bring fresh ideas to the table to help us all meet the AMP7 challenge.

We value diversity and inclusion. We see it as central to our success as an organisation. We truly believe we are better able to understand and meet the needs of our customers if our organisation reflects the communities we serve.