Programme Manager

Abatec Recruitment; West of England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus

Competitive pension

Share-save scheme

Health benefits

Group discounts

Job summary

Pennon Group is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the planning, execution and delivery of wastewater capital projects from Bristol, with visits to regional offices across the South West.

You will coordinate cross‑functional teams, manage NEC‑based commercial controls and governance, oversee audits, health and safety, budgets and risk, and relentlessly drive project delivery to time and budget.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification: Relevant engineering degree or equivalent professional status (desirable).
• Commercial & NEC Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in commercial management and NEC protocols.
• Project Delivery Experience: Strong background in end‑to‑end project management and delivery.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to manage teams and successfully deliver projects within agreed timescales.
• Budget Accountability: Experience managing substantial budgets within a large organisation.
• Negotiation & Influence: Strong skills in negotiating, influencing, and managing diverse stakeholder groups.
• Mobility: Full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and delivery of wastewater capital projects.
• Coordinate with Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners to keep programmes on track.
• Set budgets and ensure governance and capex approvals align with Board.
• Present monthly forecasts to the area Director and manage exceptions.
• Lead audits on health, safety, quality, environment and controls.
• Review engineering solutions to maintain water quality and safety.
• Support team growth through coaching, appraisals and training.
• Maintain a risk register with the Director and mitigate risks.
• Prioritise health, safety and wellbeing of staff.

Skills

End-to-end project management

NEC protocols

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Budget accountability

Negotiation & influence

Mobility (driving licence)

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Founded in 1989, Pennon Group is a leading organisation in the UK water sector, bringing together South West Water, Bristol Water and Bournemouth Water. With more than 1,300 employees, the Group serves 3.5 million people and 380,000 business customers, delivering reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services across the South West of England.

Driven by ambitious growth plans and a commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, Pennon is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the planning, execution and delivery of wastewater capital projects. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in civil engineering and project leadership, together with the ability to coordinate cross‑functional teams and deliver shared objectives. This permanent, Bristol‑based role offers a competitive salary, car allowance, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development within an established team.

What you’ll be doing

• Project Oversight: Manage the design and delivery of wastewater capital projects.
• Partner Support: Work with Tier 1 and Tier 2 Framework partners to keep programmes on track.
• Governance and Compliance: Establish budgets and oversee robust governance by ensuring works orders and capital expenditure are sanctioned by the Board and aligned with budgets.
• Commercial and Financial Control: Present monthly project forecasts to the area Director, manage exceptions, and protect the business through NEC protocol compliance.
• Audits and Critical Controls: Lead regular audits covering health, safety, quality, environment, and critical controls, then implement required improvements.
• Quality and Environmental Protection: Review proposed engineering solutions to maintain high water quality standards and prevent environmental or public health risks.
• People Leadership: Support team growth and development by conducting regular one‑to‑ones, annual appraisals, and providing appropriate training.
• Risk Management: Maintain and review a comprehensive risk register with the designated Director to protect the company’s reputation and mitigate risks.
• Health and Safety: Prioritise the health, safety, and well‑being of all staff, ensuring everyone returns home safe every day.

What they are looking for

• Engineering Qualification: Relevant engineering degree or equivalent professional status (desirable).
• Commercial & NEC Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in commercial management and NEC protocols.
• Project Delivery Experience: Strong background in end‑to‑end project management and delivery.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to manage teams and successfully deliver projects within agreed timescales.
• Budget Accountability: Experience managing substantial budgets within a large organisation.
• Negotiation & Influence: Strong skills in negotiating, influencing, and managing diverse stakeholder groups.
• Mobility: Full UK driving license.

What our client offers

• Salary: up to £100,000 - £110,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Benefits: Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, a discretionary bonus, competitive contributory pension, share‑save scheme, various health benefits, a range of group discounts, plus plenty more.
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Based from Bristol with visits to regional offices and projects across the South West.