Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
SuDS Programme Lead - East
Lead delivery of sustainable drainage systems in Kent, partnering with authorities.
Job Highlights
About the Role
You will build strong partnerships with Local Authorities and other partners to deliver sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) that manage surface water, reduce storm overflows, prevent flooding and provide climate‑adaptation, biodiversity and placemaking benefits. The role involves taking each catchment from technical overview through feasibility, design and construction, acting as the primary contact for authorities and liaising with internal technical and delivery teams to ensure the right solutions are installed at the right time. • Drive implementation of SuDS across the Kent region, reducing storm overflows and preventing flooding. • Lead workshops, facilitate decision‑making and negotiate agreements with internal and external stakeholders. • Collaborate with technical and delivery colleagues to ensure solutions are fit for purpose and timely. • Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authorities and partner organisations. • Manage programme budgets, governance and progress tracking to meet milestones and KPIs.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸suds implementation
- ▸stakeholder workshops
- ▸technical collaboration
- ▸partner liaison
- ▸budget management
- ▸project delivery
What You Bring
• Demonstrate deep knowledge and passion for SuDS, including design, surveys and installation processes. • Provide programme or project delivery experience, with proven budget and governance management. • Show strong engagement and relationship‑building skills for long‑term collaboration. • Prefer experience within a water company, regulated business or environmental delivery role.
Requirements
- ▸suds
- ▸project delivery
- ▸relationship building
- ▸water sector
Benefits
Employees are part of a 24/7 incident support framework that ensures rapid resolution of water service issues, reflecting the company’s core purpose of delivering "Water for Life". The role may involve occasional out‑of‑hours support, with details discussed during the interview, and flexible working arrangements are considered where possible. • Competitive salary (~£65k), hybrid working, and opportunity to shape a £1.5bn environmental programme. • Access to professional development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and potential flexible‑working arrangements.
Work Environment
Hybrid