Head Of Pollution Performance

Southern Water; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water invites applications for the Head of Pollution Performance role. The position leads end-to-end pollution reduction strategy development, ensuring accountability, learning culture and proactive risk management across the organisation.

The role reports to the Director of Wastewater Operations and drives delivery of key pollution targets. The candidate will oversee cross-functional teams, secure business approvals, and manage funding to align with strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering major multi-disciplinary change programmes at senior level.
• Ability to create and secure business case approval at Executive level.
• Strong coordination and teamwork with operations, compliance, engineering and project management teams.
• Visionary leadership translating strategic agendas into tangible delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a unified pollution reduction strategy for the organisation.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement in pollution management.
• Monitor, analyse and report KPIs related to pollution reduction.
• Enhance digital tools to improve visibility of risks and opportunities; build predictive capabilities.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align on pollution reduction goals.
• Oversee funding and investment to align with budgets and priorities.

Job description

Closing Date

2026-11-13

Job Title: Head of Pollution Performance

Location: Flexible within our region; with regular visits to sites

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £competitive (commensurate with skills and experience) + car allowance

There has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. As we move through AMP8, we are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long-term affordability for customers.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Director of Wastewater Operations, the Head of Pollution Performance will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, end-to-end pollution reduction strategy for the organisation. This leadership role is responsible for driving a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and proactive risk management related to pollution reduction.

What you will be responsible for

• Develop and implement a unified pollution reduction plan across the organisation.
• Establish and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement related to pollution management.
• Monitor, analyse and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to pollution reduction.
• Enhance digital tools and platforms to ensure clear visibility of risks and opportunities. Build predictive capabilities to anticipate and prevent pollution incidents before they occur.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and collaboration in achieving pollution reduction goals.
• Oversee the funding of the pollution reduction plan, drive investment in key areas, and ensure alignment with budgetary and strategic priorities.

What you’ll bring to the role

• A track record of delivering major multi-disciplinary change programmes and projects at senior level.
• Ability to create and secure business case approval at Executive level.
• Strong coordination and team working skills, engaging with operational, compliance, engineering and project management teams to ensure seamless and rapid due diligence to project delivery.
• The ability to provide visionary leadership and connect multiple strategic agendas and translate them into successful delivery.
• Track record at improving change competency in your previous organisation / organisations.
• The post holder will be required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of project management techniques for small through to large change portfolios.
• High level strategic planning and organisational skills, including forward planning and forecasting with the ability to respond appropriately to all requirements of the programme.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain's water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional information

In line with Southern Water's security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.

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