Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
2 days ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Chatham, England, United Kingdom | Durrington, England, United Kingdom | Lewes, England, United Kingdom | Winchester, England, United Kingdom | Worthington, Minnesota, United States
Hybrid
Company Size
2,092 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
change delivery
data coordination
stakeholder liaison
program monitoring
collaboration management
environmental objectives
Reporting to the Head of Delivery and working closely with the Director of Environment & Innovation, the Programme Manager will lead the scoping, planning and delivery of directorate‑wide change initiatives that support environmental objectives, collaborating with SMEs and external partners.
- Scope, plan and deliver performance and efficiency change initiatives across the directorate.
- Coordinate with Finance and the Transformation Office to ensure compliance with target ways of working and maintain accurate initiative data.
- Liaise with business leads and workstream leads to align programme activities and ensure quality outcomes.
- Monitor programme effectiveness, report progress, issues and risks, and adjust plans as needed.
- Convene and manage collaboration with internal and external partners, including SMEs and stakeholders.
Requirements
project delivery
water
change management
pmo
communication
pmp
The ideal candidate has a strong background in project and programme delivery, with change‑management experience and preferably water‑sector knowledge. They must demonstrate excellent communication, stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and be a self‑starter with PMO expertise; a degree and PMP, APM or equivalent qualification are required.
- Proven experience delivering projects and programmes, preferably in the water sector.
- Strong change‑management and PMO expertise.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder‑management skills.
- High commercial awareness and ability to manage multiple challenges simultaneously.
- Degree‑level education and PMP, APM or equivalent programme‑management certification.
Benefits
The position closes on 20 February 2026 and is titled Programme Manager – Wastewater. It is a permanent, full‑time role (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday) offering a competitive salary based on skills and experience, with a flexible hybrid working arrangement within the region.
Southern Water is investing £7.8 billion for 2025‑30, offering a unique chance to influence a generational shift in water services. The organization promotes diversity, offers reasonable adjustments during recruitment, encourages incident‑support participation, and provides a supportive environment for personal growth and professional development.
- Competitive salary based on skills and experience.
- Hybrid working with flexible office/site time.
- Opportunity to work on a £2 billion environmental programme within a £7.8 billion investment plan.
- Inclusive, diverse workplace that supports reasonable adjustments.
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making with clear career progression.
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