Maintenance & Asset Data Lead

Do you have a passion for data quality and a strong understanding of asset and work master data?

Are you looking for an opportunity to play a key role in improving how data supports operational performance across a major utility business?

We’re looking for a Maintenance & Asset Data Lead to support the continuous improvement, governance, and assurance of our asset and work master data across SAP and GIS platforms.

What you’ll be doing as a Maintenance & Asset Data Lead
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of asset management information, lead strategic data initiatives, and ensure that master data underpins the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of services.

You’ll take ownership of maintenance and asset master data — ensuring it is accurate, consistent, and valuable across the business. Drawing on your expertise in SAP and data governance, you’ll establish best practices, influence senior stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements in data quality and processes.

You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities to introduce automation and leverage emerging technologies to improve process efficiency, reduce manual effort, and strengthen data-driven ways of working across the organisation.

Your key responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver master data management (MDM) activities, driving data assurance and continuous quality improvement.
• Own and maintain the asset and work data model in SAP, including configuration and change approvals.
• Shape and implement MDM strategies to ensure alignment with business and operational needs.
• Provide expert advice and influence on data governance, standards, and effective planning.
• Manage workloads and provide leadership to analysts and advisors, mentoring and developing the team.
• Oversee data quality analysis, issue resolution, and stakeholder engagement across multiple functions.
• Build and embed a centre of excellence for MDM, aligned with organisational strategy and long-term goals.

This is a hybrid role with 2 days per week based at Clearwater Court, Reading (RG1 8DB), with occasional travel to other sites to meet key stakeholders.

36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

• In-depth knowledge of SAP or similar asset management systems. (e.g., Maximo)
• Proven ability to set and uphold data design standards, governance, and quality assurance.
• Strong track record in managing maintenance data, asset master data, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Background in utilities, oil & gas, or petrochemical industries, working with large and diverse asset bases.
• Skilled in leading projects and activities with a focus on delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Confident communicator who can translate technical concepts into clear, accessible language.
• Strong relationship-builder, able to collaborate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Experienced in developing, mentoring, and managing team members.

What’s in it for you?
This role involves significant engagement with our digital transformation programmes and offers the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders across the business, driving improvements that shape the way the team operates and how Thames Water uses asset data.

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets. 

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around 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 and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.