Programme Manager

Southern Water; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water in the Kent Region is seeking a Programme Manager to lead and oversee capital delivery programmes with hybrid/flexible working and regular site visits.

The role requires extensive programme delivery experience in utilities, NEC4 contract management, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams to deliver on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a utility programme and project delivery environment.
• Experience delivering major projects and/or programmes.
• NEC4 Project Managers Accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and provide oversight of Capital Delivery Programmes.
• Deliver programmes within schedule and budget.
• Governance and assurance using PMO processes.
• Allocate workstreams, tranches and resources.
• Lead, coach and motivate a team of professionals.
• Collaborate with Delivery Partners to maximise efficiency.

Skills

Full UK Driving Licence

Chartered Project Professional

NEC4 Accreditation

Education

Chartered Engineer (Engineering/Water)

MSP Practitioner

Job description

Closing Date

2026-10-20

Job Title: Programme Manager

Location: Kent Region – (Hybrid/Flexible working – expectation to visit Falmer or sites 3 days a week)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary: From £77k, based on skills and experience

About the role:

The Programme Manager is a leadership role whose purpose is to plan, manage and provide clear oversight and direction of assigned Capital Delivery Programmes.

The Programme Manager will ensure their Programmes and business objectives are accomplished within prescribed schedule and budget parameters.

The Programme Manager will Manage their Internal and External Stakeholders to promote the programmes, elevate issues for timely resolution and illicit help where needed.

What you will be responsible for:

The role is integral in delivering the step change in performance and efficiency required within the business, and as such will need to have a comprehensive understanding of programme delivery management, the ability to problem solve and drive teams to achieve consensus to maintain programme.

Working closely with peers across Southern Water directorates, business and partner organisations the programme manager will be responsible for delivering the outcomes required from their programmes safely, to time, quality and budget.

• Performance of water outcome-based programmes of up to £500m, involving simple to very complex scopes of work
• Being a key member of the Strategic Programme Leadership Team providing direction as appropriate
• Ensuring effective programme governance and assurance is in place using PMO process, procedures and business systems as appropriate
• Assignment of competent workstream, tranche and project management resources
• Leading, coaching, mentoring and motivating a team of professionals, setting objectives and goals
• Lead a collaborative and integrated team working with Delivery Partners to maximise efficiency opportunities
• Manage Delivery Partners NEC4 contracts to ensure efficient commercial management
• Supporting the project management teams in the development of the Workstream & Tranche Execution Plans including transforming business needs into Programmes and projectsand ensuring projects are optimised and deliver on efficiency savings

What you’ll bring to the role:

_ Essential _

• A Full, UK Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle
• Chartered Project Professional ChPP
• Substantial experience in a utility programme and project delivery environment, with experience in delivering major projects and/or programmes and/or senior business/operational management roles
• NEC4 Project Managers Accreditation

_ Preferred _

• Chartered in Engineering or Water Industry/Infrastructure professional body

• Managing Successful Programmes practitioner certification

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.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long‑term value creation

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

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.