Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
1 days ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Lewes, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid
Company Size
2,092 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
project planning
risk management
capital programme
budget management
stakeholder relations
safety management
Reporting directly to the Director of Capital Delivery, you will be accountable for delivering projects that meet the highest standards of health and safety, customer excellence, time, cost and quality. Your decisions will affect thousands of customers and set the tone for collaboration, innovation and accountability across the organisation and its supply chain.
- Study support for job‑related qualifications
- Oversee planning and execution of complex infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance, governance and risk management
- Inspire and develop a team of Programme Managers, Senior Project Managers and Project Managers, supported by PMO, Finance, Commercial and HR resources
- Build strong relationships with design‑and‑build delivery partners, champion new ideas and promote efficiency and sustainability
- Own and manage the annual capital programme and associated Opex budget
Requirements
capital delivery
utility infrastructure
construction management
chartered engineer
strategic thinker
health & safety
The position requires a proven leader with senior capital‑delivery experience in the utility sector, deep expertise in large‑scale construction, engineering and commercial strategy, and Chartered Engineer status or an equivalent qualification. You must thrive in complex environments, inspire confidence among stakeholders and champion health and safety alongside an exceptional customer experience.
- Proven senior leader in capital delivery within the utility infrastructure sector
- Deep expertise in large‑scale construction project management, engineering principles and commercial strategy
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional qualification
- Strategic thinker who thrives in complex environments and champions health & safety and exceptional customer experience
Benefits
Southern Water is seeking a Head of Project Delivery (Wastewater Infrastructure) to lead a £500 million capital programme that will shape the South East’s wastewater network for decades. The role is based in Falmer with a hybrid working model and offers a competitive salary plus excellent benefits. Closing date for applications is 04/02/2026.
The role is full‑time, Monday to Friday (37 hours) with a hybrid approach between the Falmer office and home. Southern Water supports flexible working where possible and will discuss any incident‑support rotas during the interview process.
- Company and performance‑related bonus
- Generous pension up to 11 % company contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Life assurance equal to 4× salary
- Salary‑sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
- Health Cash Plan
- Fully funded eye tests
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Occupational health service
- Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
- Digital GP service
- Competitive maternity leave and flexible return‑to‑work options
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
Overview
2.25 million
Customers Served
Serving 2.25 million customers since privatisation in 1989.
0.5 GL
Drinking Water Pumped
Pumps over 0.5 GL of drinking water daily.
£72m loss
Operating Loss
Experienced a £72 million operating loss in March 2024 due to rising costs.
- Constructs reservoirs, pipelines, sewage treatment upgrades, and implements contingency measures like importing water during droughts.
- Specializes in large-scale water infrastructure, operational delivery, and environmental engineering across the South East.
- Notably fined for misreporting sewage spills; offers guided tours of Victorian sewers and public access to historic reservoirs.
Culture + Values
- “Working differently” – using new technology and nature‑based solutions
- “Collaborating with community partners”
- “Showing leadership on key environmental issues”
- “Engaging with customers, stakeholders and partners to maximise opportunities”
Environment + Sustainability
24% by 2025
Renewable Energy Target
Target to generate 24% of own renewable energy by 2025.
75% by 2035
Storm Overflow Compliance
Aiming to achieve 75% compliance by 2035 to reduce storm overflow spills.
£7.8B Capital Plan
Environmental Investments
£7.8 billion capital plan from 2025-2030 focusing on new technology and nature-based solutions.
Three‑Star EPA
Environment Agency Rating
Aiming for a three-star Environment Agency rating by 2025 following a two-star rating in 2022.
- On track to generate own renewable energy and buying accredited renewable energy since 2021.
- Fleet electrification targets: cars/vans by 2035, HGVs via low-carbon fuels by 2040.
- Investing £1.5 billion in Clean Rivers & Seas to reduce storm overflow spills and achieve full compliance by 2050.
Inclusion & Diversity
- No publicly available strategic DEI goals or gender‑related statistics found