Project Finance Manager

Who are we?Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to our 15 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing.We are working with partner water companies to develop several multi–billion pound water infrastructure projects known as 'Strategic Resource Options' (SROs) in order to increase the resilience of the region to drought in the face of population growth and climate change. These include:

• A major new reservoir near Abington in Oxfordshire;
• A new pipeline connecting the River Severn and the River Thames, to enable surplus water to be transferred from the north west to the south east of England;
• Two schemes to transfer water to other parts of the south east;
• Several schemes to treat and recycle water within London.

We are expecting to deliver these schemes using competitive PFI–style procurements (known 'Direct Procurement for Customers'), as drawing on our experience delivering the 'Thames Tideway Tunnel', and will require approval from regulators at key touchpoints.About the roleWe have an exciting requirement for a Manager –InfrastructureProject Finance to join the SRO team in Thames Water. This role provides a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the development of these schemes.This is a hybrid role, with a mixture of home working and travel required to offices in London and Reading.What will you be doing:As part of the SRO client team and reporting to the Head of Commercial Strategy, you will work closely with, and help manage, specialist financial and commercial advisors to develop and implement the procurement and commercial strategy, as we prepare to go to market and award contracts in the late 2020s. This will include:

• Undertaking market engagement to test key aspects of the commercial structure
• Developing an allocation of risk between the key parties (water company, investors / contractors, customers) that delivers value for money to customers
• Working closely with engineering and technical teams and lawyers to develop contract documentation that aligns with the required scope and risk allocation
• Overseeing a competitive tender process, including an evaluation framework that delivers best value for customers, wider benefits to the region, and enhances Thames's reputation
• Developing 'end state' financial and commercial structures between water companies and the delivery entity that are aligned to the operating model of the asset

• Working with internal Corporate Finance and Treasury teams to assess accounting and credit ratings impacts
• Negotiating commercial agreements with third parties
• Developing regulatory submissions to Ofwat
• Contributing to internal governance and reporting

What you will bring to the role?

• A minimum of 12 months experience working on major competitively tendered PFI–type contracts, most likely from working within a commercial or corporate finance function
• Experience of working within a regulated industry (such as water) is preferred.
• Strong financial analysis and communication skills (written and verbal), with an understanding of how to build trust with stakeholders through their interactions
• A proactive and collaborative team player , who is keen to learn, well organised, resilient and tenacious under pressure, and with an ability to think creatively to solve complex challenges
• Evidence of positive behaviours aligned with the Thames Water values.
• Degree level qualified
• Proficiency in English

What's in it for you?Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with length of service and a wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your well–being. Thames Water is a dynamic,?rewarding?and diverse place to work, with opportunities around every corner. If you join our team, you'll enjoy a fulfilling career and flexible working?arrangements.We're also proud to embrace and promote diversity and believe that creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve will help us to thrive. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.Find out more about?working at Thames Water. We deliver life's essential service so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. This means, when a crisis happens, we all rally round 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, meet colleagues and a earn bit of extra money along the way. Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is so we can manage all the applications properly and give candidates a positive experience. Once closed, we can't consider any further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.