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.
Location: Bristol HQ or Exeter HQ
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (dependent on experience)
Purpose of the Role
As Software Engineering Manager, you will lead both the delivery and long-term ownership of key software platforms and development services that support critical business operations. You will oversee new development, enhancements and change delivery, while ensuring platforms transition successfully into live service and continue to operate securely, reliably and effectively.
The role combines technology leadership, delivery oversight, governance, and people management. You will ensure our software platforms, development practices, citizen-led solutions, and AI-enabled capabilities remain secure, resilient, compliant, and fit for purpose in a regulated environment.
Define and deliver a clear software platform strategy and roadmap across custom applications, APIs, low-code, and legacy systems
Lead high-quality, predictable delivery of software changes across internal teams, citizen developers, and third-party suppliers
Own and prioritise the development backlog, balancing business needs, stability, risk, and innovation
Establish governance for low-code and citizen development to enable safe, scalable use
Oversee responsible adoption of AI-enabled capabilities
Ensure architectural integrity, security, and compliance across all solutions
Manage legacy systems, including modernisation and decommissioning plans
Maintain reliable, resilient platform operations
Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams and partners
Control and optimise platform and tooling costs
Provide clear reporting on delivery, risks, and platform health
Proven leadership of enterprise software platforms and delivery governance (non-hands-on role)
Experience managing mixed development ecosystems (custom, packaged, low-code)
Strong background in backlog, roadmap, and delivery management (Agile or hybrid)
Experience with AI governance and adoption in enterprise environments
Track record leading multi-disciplinary teams and third-party suppliers
Experience in regulated or operationally critical environments
Essential
Degree-level or equivalent experience
Certification in Agile, Scrum, SAFe, PRINCE2, MSP or similar
Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
Desirable
Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West.
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Software Engineering Manager you'll enjoy:
Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role
Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance
Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future
Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible
Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs
Employee Discounts – On various products and services
Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement
Closing Date: 16th 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.
