Project Assistant - South West Peatland Partnership - South West Water

Countryside Classroom; Okehampton; Remote; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

From 23 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Health cash plan

Cycle to work

Job summary

South West Water, hosted by Pennon Group, is seeking a SWPP Project Assistant for peatland restoration in Devon/Cornwall, based in Okehampton. You will support financial administration, funding compliance, procurement and office coordination, reporting to the SWPP Project Manager and coordinating with multiple partners.

This varied role rewards strong organisation and attention to detail, with opportunities to build relationships across stakeholders and contribute to future funding

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise a busy workload.
• Proactive and responsible work approach.
• Interest in peatlands and understanding of funding sources.

Responsibilities

• Gather, check and coordinate financial information for quarterly funding submissions.
• Lead on audit requirements, keeping financial records and project documentation organised and audit-ready.
• Coordinate funding partner reports and monthly South West Water reporting.
• Manage purchase orders from initial request through to final filing.
• Process invoices and work with the SW Water finance team to follow up payments.
• Support the day-to-day running of the Okehampton office and act as central contact for admin.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Email/Calendar systems

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.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

About the role

The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) brings together 22 partners to deliver vital peatland restoration across Devon and Cornwall. Hosted by South West Water as the lead partner, the partnership manages a range of funding streams, including Natural England’s Nature for Climate Fund.

As our SWPP Project Assistant, you’ll play an important role in keeping the partnership organised and running effectively. Reporting to the SWPP Project Manager, you’ll support everything from financial administration and funding compliance through to procurement, meetings, office coordination and future funding opportunities.

It’s a varied role where strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to build effective working relationships will be key.

Interviews will be held on the 17th November in Okehampton.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll:

• Gather, check and coordinate financial information for quarterly funding submissions.
• Lead on audit requirements, keeping financial records and project documentation organised and audit-ready.
• Coordinate funding partner reports and monthly South West Water reporting.
• Manage purchase orders from initial request through to final filing.
• Process invoices and work with the South West Water finance team to follow up outstanding payments.
• Support the day-to-day running of the Okehampton office and act as a central point of contact for administrative requirements.
• Monitor supplies and coordinate the purchase of PPE and technical equipment for field teams.
• Organise team and partner meetings, including scheduling, agendas, minutes and logistical arrangements.
• Support the Education and Engagement Officer with signing up new volunteers.
• Help the SWPP Project Manager identify and apply for grant funding to support the future growth of the partnership.
• Support wider SWPP objectives through other reasonable duties as required.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is organised, dependable and comfortable managing a varied workload. You’ll have an eye for detail, be confident working with financial and administrative information and be able to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

You’ll bring:

• At least five years’ experience maintaining budgetary records or working in financial administration.
• At least five years’ experience in an administrative or project support role.
• At least two years’ experience in grant claim administration.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and working to strict deadlines.
• Experience successfully applying for grant funding.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.

Skills and qualifications

Essential

• GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as email and calendar systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a busy workload.
• Confidence in managing issues and finding constructive ways forward.
• The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
• A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for your work.
• An interest in and understanding of peatlands.
• Knowledge of national and local grant funding sources.

South West Water benefits

At South West Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day and feel truly valued. That’s why we offer a diverse benefits package designed not just to reward, but to empower you to live well, at work and beyond.

Our benefits at a glance:

• From 23 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, rising with length of service.
• Holiday buy & sell scheme, giving you greater flexibility over your annual leave.
• Competitive pension scheme, including company contribution matching and flexible contribution options.
• Life Assurance, providing additional financial peace of mind.
• Group Income Protection, providing ongoing financial support if illness or injury prevents you from working.
• Competitive family leave, covering maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Health cash plan at discounted rates.
• Free flu vaccination.
• Employee Assistance Programme, providing 24/7 support for mental health, financial wellbeing and more.
• Free headquarters on-site parking.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Car share scheme.
• Onsite canteen at our Exeter headquarters.
• Give as You Earn Scheme, allowing you to donate to charities directly from your salary.
• Volunteering Day, giving you time to support your community or chosen charity.
• Retail discounts, giving you access to thousands of deals and savings.

Please be aware that we will be looking to hold interviews for this role around the 17th November.

Closing Date: 6th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.