Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Join South West Water’s Strategic Resource Options Programme
Strategic Resource Options Programme
Exeter or Bristol HQ | Hybrid working | Full-time
Up to £100,000 per annum (depending on experience and skills), for candidates with a proven track record delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
At South West Water, we’re more than a water company, we’re custodians of a vital natural resource. As we progress one of the most ambitious water resource programmes in the UK, we are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Senior Project Manager to take a leading role in delivering the Cheddar 2 project within our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a £1.8bn, nationally significant infrastructure scheme of considerable scale and complexity. The project includes the development of an 8,200Ml non-impounding reservoir, a 40Ml/d water treatment works, and 76km of pipeline, forming a critical component of the region’s long-term water resilience strategy. Given its size, technical demands and strategic importance, this role requires a proven project delivery leader with extensive experience managing major, multidisciplinary infrastructure programmes.
This is your opportunity to play a central role in strengthening regional water resilience and environmental sustainability for future generations.
Lead and coordinate a large multidisciplinary project team
Build strong relationships with internal teams, partners, regulators, and stakeholders
Promote a culture of collaboration, trust and high performance
Support and develop team members to achieve their full potential
Manage day-to-day delivery of the Cheddar 2 project
Develop and oversee plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
Ensure delivery aligns with programme governance and regulatory frameworks
Monitor performance across scope, cost, schedule, and quality
Manage risks, issues, dependencies, and escalations
Work closely with PMO, commercial, procurement, finance and risk functions
Ensure joined-up delivery across all project workstreams
Support progression through programme and regulatory gateways
Embed consistent project controls and reporting practices
Coordinate stakeholder engagement across regulators, local authorities and partners
Support procurement and contract management activities
Contribute to business cases, approvals, and governance submissions
Provide high-quality reporting and insights to programme leadership
Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards
Extensive experience in project management, including leadership roles
Proven track record delivering large, complex infrastructure or capital projects
Experience working in regulated or highly complex environments
Strong background in project governance, controls, and delivery frameworks
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and competing priorities
Water, utilities, or environmental sector experience (desirable)
Knowledge of Ofwat delivery models (DPC/SIPR) or privately financed models (advantageous)
Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management or related discipline
Professional qualification (APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent)
Professional membership (desirable)
Health, safety, or construction-related training (advantageous)
Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
Excellent organisational and problem-solving capabilities
Confident communicator with experience engaging senior stakeholders
Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in complexity
Passionate about delivering meaningful, sustainable outcomes
At South West Water, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Deliver a nationally significant infrastructure project with real impact
Work within a high-profile, strategic programme shaping the region’s future
Collaborate with passionate, purpose-driven colleagues
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in a complex delivery environment
Join us and help deliver a resilient, sustainable water future for the South West.
Competitive Salary – Based on your experience and expertise
Company Car or Car Allowance – Supporting your role requirements
Annual Bonus Scheme – Rewarding company performance
Pension Scheme – Helping you plan ahead
Flexible Working – Hybrid options and work-life balance
Healthcare Support – Access to wellbeing and support services
Employee Discounts – Savings on a range of products and services
Annual Leave – Time to recharge and reset
If you’re motivated by purpose, thrive in complex environments, and want to lead a project that truly matters — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help secure water for the future.
Closing Date: 3rd July 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
