Principal Regulatory Economist (Ref 1009/23)

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with wildlife charities, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Are you looking for a role where you can use your experience to bring about real change within a proactive and environmentally conscious company?

We currently have an opportunity for a Principal Regulatory Economist to join our team based in either Bristol or Exeter. Joining us on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a competitive annual salary of £60,000 plus a company car and excellent benefits.

About the role:

This role sits within our Strategy and Regulation team, coordinating the delivery of key programmes such as the current business plan for 2025-2030 (PR24), regulatory analysis and reporting, finance and governance. It is the home to economists, engineers, financial experts and regulatory analysts. You will play an active management role in the team.

Our team are open to applicants seeking flexible working arrangements, including regular home working. 

What you'll be doing:

• Providing leadership to our team of economists and regulatory analysts, role modelling our values and being a coach and mentor to a talented team
• Ownership of South West Water’s work on charges, including our charges strategy and support to the business on the regulatory framework for charges
• Managing economic regulation aspects of consultation responses and the business plan submission
• Supporting across the business to set high quality economics questions, and to work with others to apply technical and project management expertise to answer these
• Continuing to develop the core of economic regulation expertise in South West Water Strategy and Regulation
• Writing and presenting reports
• Developing responses to Ofwat, EA, and government consultations relating to economic regulation. 

What we are looking for:

• Educated to degree level in economics, econometrics or statistics
• Advanced in using MS Office suite
• Experience in economic regulation
• Knowledge of statistical analysis with Excel or other methods
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
• Prioritisation skills, with ability to manage multiple strands of work at the same time 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate across the business and build key working relationships.
• An excellent attention to detail with the ability to consistently deliver accurate and timely information. 

What's in it for you:

At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility
• A company car or a generous cash for car allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes
• Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme
• We offer free car parking at the majority of our sites
• Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
• Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose
• We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform
• Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
• Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Perkbox
• A range of group discounts: The Dell Advantage Programme, Virgin Media Affinity Scheme, Vodaphone Advantage and more
• A discretionary Bonus
• And plenty more!

Closing Date: Friday 5th January, 2024

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

·       Trusted - We do the right thing for our customers and stakeholders.

·       Collaborative - We forge strong relationships working together to make a positive impact.

·       Responsible - We keep our promises to our customers, communities, and each other.

·       Progressive - We are always looking for new ways to improve and make life better.