Regional Water Resources Strategy Lead

Pennon Group; Exeter; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

South West Water, part of Pennon Group, seeks a Regional Water Resources Planning Manager to lead the West Country Water and Environment regional plan. You will coordinate planning across WCWE, manage interdependencies, and liaise with regulators and partners to deliver a sustainable, long-term water resources strategy.

The role demands strong programme leadership, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight within a regulated utility environment. DBS check may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong background in water resources management, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Proven experience in programme/project management and budget oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and experience managing teams or large-scale initiatives.
• Experience working within a water company or regulated utility environment.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and water resource policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the WCWE Regional Plan, aligning with strategic objectives.
• Coordinate multiple programmes, ensure progress is monitored with corrective actions when required.
• Identify interdependencies across workstreams and actively manage risks and issues.
• Facilitate collaboration between member water companies, regulators, and partner organisations.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including Environment Agency, Natural England, and Ofwat.
• Ensure communication of plans, progress, and key messages to internal and external audiences.
• Oversee programme governance, ensuring risks, dependencies, and gaps are identified and mitigated.
• Initiate interventions to address programme issues or delivery gaps.
• Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and strategic policy frameworks.
• Manage budgets allocated to regional planning activities.

Skills

Water resources management

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget oversight

Leadership

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering/Environmental studies

Job description

South West Water, part of Pennon Group, seeks a Regional Water Resources Planning Manager to lead the West Country Water and Environment regional plan. You will coordinate planning across WCWE, manage interdependencies, and liaise with regulators and partners to deliver a sustainable, long-term water resources strategy.

The role demands strong programme leadership, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight within a regulated utility environment. DBS check may be required.