Associate Director - Assurance

We are seeking a Associate Director - Assurance to lead and deliver high-impact advisory assurance projects.

You will be responsible for:

• Assurance process development - Maintain and enhance Aqua's approach to delivering assurance commissions aligning with best practice standards and supporting technical teams with the design and delivery of specific audits.
• Risk, Controls & Governance - Evaluate the effectiveness of governance frameworks (e.g., investment boards, AMP cycle governance).
• Stakeholder Engagement & Insight - Build strong relationships with Asset Planning, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Regulation, and Capital Delivery teams. Present findings to senior leadership, Audit & Risk Committee, and external regulators. Translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Regulatory & Reporting Assurance - Provide independent assurance on submissions to regulators including Ofwat, Environment Agency, and Drinking Water Inspectorate.
• Asset Management Assurance - Deliver assurance over the end‑to‑end asset lifecycle, testing compliance with ISO 55001 and internal asset management policies.
• Capital Programme & Project Assurance - Provide assurance across feasibility, design, and delivery stages. Reviewing project governance, gateway processes, commercial controls, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional experience in assurance, internal audit, compliance, risk, or regulatory reporting.
• Internal audit methodologies, risk-based assurance, or second-line assurance
• Understanding of asset management in utilities or infrastructure (desirable)
• Data lineage, data quality testing, and control evaluation
• Experience in the water sector during an AMP cycle or business plan preparation (desirable)
• Delivery of assurance over capital programmes or major projects (desirable)
• Data assurance experience for regulatory submissions (desirable)
• Understanding of strategic planning, asset management, or regulatory frameworks (desirable)
• Ability to apply best practice and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Skilled in building and maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and trends.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to time, cost, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presentations for senior audiences.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery principles.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and supporting team development.

Additional Information

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus.
• Company pension.
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays + option to purchase additional leave.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme.
• Company mobile phone and laptop provided.
• Training and career progression opportunities.
• Professional Membership fees paid.
• Life Assurance Scheme 4 x annual salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme (with access to GP appointments, Physio appointments and Mental Health Support).
• Medicash cash plan (Money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, glasses, contact lenses).
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave.