Location
Hybrid – Clearwater Court, Reading

Hours
36 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary
Up to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience

About the Role
As a Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead, you will be responsible for designing and delivering automated control testing and monitoring solutions across IT, OT, and business environments at Thames Water. Working closely with the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, digital teams, and a wide range of business stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to automate control testing and implement continuous monitoring solutions that support the organisation’s risk and compliance objectives. This role plays a key part in modernising the control testing programme by introducing automation, improving data collection processes, and enabling more efficient monitoring of control effectiveness. Combining strong automation expertise with a structured, risk-based approach, you will help build a streamlined and scalable automated control testing environment that strengthens Thames Water’s security and assurance capabilities.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be eligible to obtain security clearance to a minimum of Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level.

Key responsibilities include identifying and assessing automation opportunities across IT, OT, and business functions; designing and implementing automation workflows; evaluating and recommending tooling; collaborating with digital teams for data integration; reviewing automated testing outputs; maintaining documentation; engaging with stakeholders; ensuring timely delivery of initiatives; escalating risks and issues; supporting continuous improvement; and staying informed on relevant frameworks such as NIST CSF and CIS Controls to enhance automation and monitoring capabilities.

What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary up to £80,000 per annum depending on experience. 26 days annual leave increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays). Generous pension scheme through AON. Performance-related pay linked to company targets. Access to a wide range of health, wellbeing, and financial benefits including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

Who are we?
We are the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers. We are committed to building a better future for our customers, communities, people, and the planet. Thames Water offers a unique, rewarding, and diverse workplace with meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and excellent benefits. Join us to make a daily difference while helping protect water resources for future generations.

Experience
- Control testing automation, process automation, or related assurance activities within an enterprise environment
- Strong understanding of risk management practices and control frameworks
- Ability to measure, monitor, and report on control effectiveness using relevant metrics and data
- Experience collaborating with technical and business teams to deliver automation solutions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on efficiency improvements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, structured outputs

Technical Experience and Skills
- Expertise in automation tools and scripting technologies such as Python, PowerShell, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platforms, or audit automation tools
- Experience developing and implementing automation workflows related to control testing or assurance processes
- Familiarity with IT environments including IT infrastructure, operational technology (OT), and cloud platforms
- Ability to implement monitoring mechanisms and analyse automated testing outputs to identify control weaknesses
- Experience documenting automation processes, workflows, and exception management procedures

Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience working in regulated environments, water utility sector, or large complex critical national infrastructure organisations
- Familiarity with governance and control frameworks such as COBIT or COSO
- Exposure to cybersecurity principles including vulnerability management and identity and access management
- Experience using data analytics or dashboarding tools such as Power BI or Tableau to visualise and report automation outcomes

Desirable Technical Skills and Qualifications
- Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor