Investment Programme Manager

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Life assurance equal to 4x salary

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Health Cash Plan

Full funded eye tests

Paid volunteering days

Occupational health service

Retail discounts

Digital GP service

Study support for qualifications

Competitive maternity leave

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

A leading water utility provider is seeking an Investment Programme Manager to lead transformational projects. Located in Brighton, the role demands strong leadership to manage substantial investments effectively. The ideal candidate will have experience in the water sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex challenges. This full-time position operates on a hybrid working model and offers a competitive salary along with attractive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large programmes in the water or infrastructure sectors.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks in the water industry.
• Track record of managing complex, high-value programmes.
• Excellent communication to influence senior leaders and boards.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic programmes valued between £330m and £1.5bn.
• Proactively manage budgets and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for successful delivery.
• Lead the reporting process to Investment Committee, Exec team and Shareholders.
• Drive continuous improvement to achieve outcomes with limited resources.

Skills

Budget management

Risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Communication

Education

Degree in engineering, asset management, or risk management

PM qualifications (APM)

Tools

Project Management tools

Job description

Investment Programme Manager - Southern Water

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Job Overview

As a Programme Finance Manager (internally you will be known as Investment Programme Manager) at Southern Water, you'll be at the heart of delivering transformational projects that drive our strategic vision forward. This is a unique opportunity to lead high‑impact programmes, managing substantial investments that make a real difference. You'll ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and generate measurable benefits, all while navigating complex risks and opportunities. Success in this role comes from your ability to collaborate seamlessly across asset management, delivery, and finance teams — bringing people together to turn strategy into reality. If you're ready to take on a role where your leadership and expertise will shape the future, we'd love to hear from you!

Closing Date

2025-10-24

Location

Falmer (Hybrid Working)

Salary

Competitive based on experience

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for managing strategic programmes valued between £330m and £1.5bn, aligning them with Southern Water’s PR24 Business Plan and broader strategies.
• Proactively manage TOTEX budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and optimising programme delivery. You’ll identify and address any risks early, advising senior leaders and recommending actions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Asset Management, Capital Delivery, Finance, Operations, and IT to ensure delivery success.
• Lead the reporting process for programme delivery, providing critical updates to the Investment Committee, Executive team, and Shareholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and systems to ensure we achieve the best outcomes with limited resources.

About You

• A highly skilled Programme Manager with experience delivering large programmes in the water, wastewater, or infrastructure sectors.
• In‑depth understanding of the water industry’s regulatory frameworks and the ability to navigate industry challenges.
• A proven track record of optimising delivery and managing complex, high‑value programmes, with the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior leaders and key stakeholders, including Board members.
• A collaborative mindset, able to work closely with internal teams and external partners to drive results and maximise value.
• A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. engineering, asset management, or risk management) and experience in programme management, ideally backed by project management qualifications (e.g. APM).
• Experienced in project delivery, PMO, asset management and/or finance.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week.

Southern Water operates a hybrid approach to working between our offices and home.

We are offering a competitive salary depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance‑related bonus
• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job‑related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Privacy Statement

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.