Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
The role supports the task force by raising awareness of its activities and educating the public on the challenges of storm overflows. Partnership and community engagement are central to the mission, requiring the officer to facilitate interactions that allow the team to listen, communicate, and collaborate with customers and stakeholders across the region.
Key duties include taking customers on site tours, organising community drop‑in events, and planning the strategic engagement programme. The officer will set up and attend meetings, site visits and stakeholder events, respond to community requests for information, and provide administrative support to track engagements and ensure messaging stays aligned with the task force’s objectives.
The Storm Overflow Engagement Officer role is a permanent, hybrid position based in the Kent/East Sussex area, requiring a full, clean driving licence and a vehicle. It offers a salary of around £38,000 and a 37‑hour week, Monday to Friday, with a closing date of 30 January 2026. Storm overflows are a major concern for customers and stakeholders, prompting the Clean Rivers & Seas Task Force to deliver pioneering solutions. Over the past two years the task force completed a £45 million Pathfinder programme, and now a £1.5 billion ten‑year plan will further reduce overflow releases into rivers and seas.
Ideal candidates are confident speakers who can address varied audiences and are passionate about making a positive impact locally. They should have experience producing tailored content, managing competing agendas, and possess excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills, alongside an empathetic and caring nature toward customers and colleagues.
Southern Water is investing £7.8 billion between 2025‑30 to transform Britain’s water industry, offering a dynamic environment where senior professionals can influence strategic decisions and drive long‑term value. The company promotes diversity, flexible working where possible, and values out‑of‑hours incident support as part of its commitment to delivering water for life.