OverviewWe are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. We are working with the government and regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also engaging with the Welsh Government for future decisions in Wales. Our mission remains to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment.If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water.The RoleWe’re looking for two Senior Associate Economists to join our cost assessment team. The cost assessment team shapes the next price review, sets expenditure allowances, and develops policy in areas such as incentive design and improvements to the regulatory framework. As a Senior Associate Economist, you will help develop our approach to setting expenditure allowances at the next price review, including related policy development. You will work closely with principals, other senior associates, and graduate associates, and collaborate across teams.ResponsibilitiesSupport the development of our approach to setting expenditure allowances at the next price review, drawing on lessons from PR24 and the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission (IWC).Contribute to policy development in areas such as incentive design, cost benchmarking, and wider improvements to the regulatory framework.Work with colleagues to ensure robust, evidence-based recommendations for expenditure allowances.Engage with stakeholders across the sector, including water companies, other regulators, and internal teams.This is an exciting time to join the team, with opportunities to learn, develop, and shape the future of economic regulation, ultimately improving outcomes for customers and the environment. The role also offers a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth.About YouBelow are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:Lead criterion 1: Experience of applying economics in a regulator, competition authority, consultancy or regulated company, with a strong interest in and aptitude for economic regulation.Lead criterion 2: Advanced problem-solving skills, drawing on technical knowledge and both quantitative (including econometrics) and qualitative techniques to address complex issues.Undergraduate degree (or higher) in economics, a numeric discipline, or another relevant field.Proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects in a complex stakeholder environment and at pace.Excellent stakeholder management skills, demonstrated by influencing and building relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex analysis clearly and confidently to non-technical audiences.Why You Should Join UsPeople Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do.Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working with a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.Work-Life Balance: Flexible working from home with in-person collaboration in Birmingham and London offices.Excellent employer pension contributions.25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.Access to exclusive discounts on goods and services, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and gym membership.Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.Up to 3 volunteering days per year.Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.Closing date: 23:55 on 09 November 2025Additional detailsSeniority level: Mid-Senior levelEmployment type: Full-timeJob function: Finance and SalesIndustries: Advertising ServicesWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr