Lead, Wastewater Investigations & Environmental Impact

South West Water Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Bonus

Private Healthcare

Company car or cash for car allowance

Pension

Share-save scheme

Health benefits & wellbeing support

Group discounts

Cycle to Work

Financial support services

Development and training opportunities

Job summary

South West Water Limited is seeking an experienced Wastewater Investigations Lead to provide technical and programme leadership across our wastewater investigations portfolio. You will influence major environmental improvements, shape investment decisions, and help protect rivers, estuaries, bathing waters and coastal environments important to communities.

The role requires leading multidisciplinary programmes, collaborating with regulators and technical specialists, and translating complex

Qualifications

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Hydrology or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of wastewater systems and environmental regulation.
• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution.
• Knowledge of WINEP, SOAF, Environment Act investigations and wider water industry regulatory programmes.
• Experience supporting DWMP development and/or Price Review submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a portfolio of wastewater and environmental investigations, ensuring delivery to regulatory commitments, budgets and timescales.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across investigation programmes, driving consistency, quality and best practice.
• Review and challenge technical methodologies, modelling outputs and investigation findings to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose.
• Manage specialist consultants and technical delivery partners to achieve high‑quality environmental outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with environmental regulators, industry partners and key stakeholders.
• Translate complex technical findings into clear recommendations that influence future investment, environmental programmes and strategic planning.
• Support the development of long‑term plans, including Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs) and future regulatory programmes.
• Champion initiatives that reduce the impact of wastewater systems on the natural environment.

Skills

Significant experience

Programme leadership

Analytical capability

Regulator experience

Influence through evidence

Environmental commitment

Education

Degree in Environmental Science

Degree in Environmental Engineering / related

Job description

South West Water Limited is seeking an experienced Wastewater Investigations Lead to provide technical and programme leadership across our wastewater investigations portfolio. You will influence major environmental improvements, shape investment decisions, and help protect rivers, estuaries, bathing waters and coastal environments important to communities.

The role requires leading multidisciplinary programmes, collaborating with regulators and technical specialists, and translating complex