Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS)

WICS is the economic regulator of Scottish Water, the publicly-owned provider of water and sewerage services across Scotland. Scottish Water serves over 2.5 million households and 150,000 businesses, with an annual turnover of £1.3 billion. The water sector is vital to Scotland’s prosperity, ensuring sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and community well-being. As a non-departmental public body, WICS has statutory responsibilities. Our role is to challenge Scottish Water to achieve long-term value and best-in-class service levels for customers and communities. Additionally, WICS oversees the competitive retail market for non-household water and sewerage services.

At this crucial time for the sector, WICS is seeking a strategic and highly capable Director of Finance and Corporate Services to oversee its financial and corporate operations, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and excellence across the organisation. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and operational strategy of a critical public sector organisation. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Finance and Corporate Services will be responsible for leading core functions, including financial management, risk governance, procurement, human resources, IT, and corporate administration. They will drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across all corporate services.

WICS is looking for a values-driven leader with a strong background in finance, corporate governance, and strategic management. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in leading financial and corporate services at an executive level. They will have strong corporate and financial acumen, ideally as a qualified accountant, with the ability to navigate complex budgets and investment plans. They will possess exceptional stakeholder management skills, capable of building relationships across government, industry, and regulatory bodies. Leadership experience in risk, governance, and corporate strategy will be essential, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to WICS on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QALAKD. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 2 May.