Permitting Coordinator - Fixed Term Contract

South West Water Limited; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

Healthcare Benefits

Professional Development

Employee Discounts

Generous Annual Leave

Job summary

South West Water is seeking a highly organised Permitting Co-ordinator to support environmental and water quality improvement projects across the wastewater network in the South West. You will coordinate permitting activities from concept through completion, aligning regulatory requirements and project timescales.

Based in Exeter with hybrid working, the role involves working with Engineering Project Managers, environmental specialists and the Environment Agency, plus maintaining permit records

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
• Experience managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating environmental permitting activities for engineering and capital projects.
• Gathering and managing site information to support permit updates and applications.
• Acting as a key point of contact between project teams and the Environment Agency.
• Monitoring permit applications and identifying potential risks to project delivery.
• Tracking progress and reporting on water quality projects within the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).
• Maintaining accurate permit records, project trackers and supporting documentation.
• Providing wider support to the Environmental Permitting Team as required.

Skills

Organisation

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

MS Office

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Deadline management

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

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.

Environment Team | South West Water | 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Peninsula House, Exeter (with hybrid working)
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Help deliver environmental improvements across the South West

We're looking for a highly organised Permitting Co-ordinator to play a key role in delivering environmental and water quality improvement projects across our wastewater network.

Working as part of our Environmental Permitting Team, you'll help ensure that wastewater discharge permits remain accurate and compliant as major capital projects are delivered. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys managing multiple priorities, working with a wide range of stakeholders, and making a tangible contribution to environmental protection across the region.

What you'll be doing:

As a Permitting Co-ordinator, you'll coordinate permitting activities from project concept through to completion, ensuring regulatory requirements and project timescales are aligned. You'll work closely with Engineering Project Managers, environmental specialists and the Environment Agency to support the delivery of key environmental programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating environmental permitting activities for engineering and capital projects.
• Gathering and managing site information to support permit updates and applications.
• Acting as a key point of contact between project teams and the Environment Agency.
• Monitoring permit applications and identifying potential risks to project delivery.
• Tracking progress and reporting on water quality projects within the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).
• Maintaining accurate permit records, project trackers and supporting documentation.
• Providing wider support to the Environmental Permitting Team as required.

What we're looking for:

You'll be someone who thrives on organisation, can manage competing priorities and enjoys building effective working relationships.

You'll ideally have:

• Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
• Experience managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Desirable

• Experience within wastewater, environmental or civil engineering environments.
• Awareness of environmental permitting and regulatory processes.
• An interest in environmental protection and sustainability.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that improve water quality and protect the environment across the South West. You'll join a supportive team, gain exposure to major infrastructure and environmental programmes, and develop valuable experience working with regulators and technical specialists.

If you're looking for a role where organisation, collaboration and environmental impact come together, we'd love to hear from you.

At South West Water, we believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Permitting Coordinator you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
• Bonus Scheme – Rewarding your performance
• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future
• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs
• Professional Development – Support for career growth with training opportunities
• Employee Discounts – On various products and services
• Generous Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: 5th October 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

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.