Senior Engagement Manager – Capital Delivery and Strategic Plans

Southern Water; Falmer; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water infrastructure firm is seeking a Senior Engagement Manager to develop and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies across major projects. You will oversee consultation activities and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure effective communication and alignment. This role requires expertise in stakeholder management and a track record in leading engagement efforts. The position offers hybrid working and a chance to influence environmental and infrastructural change in the South East.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Proven success in leading engagement strategies for complex projects.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing reputational risk.
• Experience managing external partners or contractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement for capital projects valued over £100 million.
• Oversee consultation activity for Water Resources Management Plan.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver inclusive communications.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong relationship-building skills

Ability to translate complex information

Resilient and calm under pressure

Job description

Closing Date

2025-11-09

Senior Engagement Manager – Capital Delivery and Strategic Plans

Location: Hybrid working between our Durrington office and home, with travel across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (some evening and weekend events may be required)

Salary: Competitive salary with excellent benefits

Help Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure and Strategic Planning in the South East

Southern Water is delivering one of the most ambitious infrastructure and environmental programmes in the UK water sector. Our AMP8 Business Plan outlines over £8 billion in investment between 2025 and 2030, including £3.3 billion in environmental projects. This is a pivotal moment for our organisation and the communities we serve.

We are looking for a Senior Engagement Manager to lead a newly created team responsible for the development, planning and delivery of stakeholder engagement across a wide range of programmes, from local construction projects to ‘large gated’ schemes valued at over £100 million, and the statutory planning processes that shape our long‑term water and wastewater strategies.

This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in consultation, communications and engagement, and a strong track record of working with senior stakeholders across government, regulatory bodies and industry.

Your Contribution

You will lead the design and delivery of inclusive, multi‑channel engagement strategies that support both capital delivery and strategic planning. You will work closely with colleagues across Southern Water and with external partners to ensure our communications are proactive, consistent and accessible to all audiences.

You will also oversee the delivery of engagement and consultation activity for the development of our statutory plans, including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), Drought Plan and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP).

Scope of the Role

• Lead stakeholder engagement planning for capital projects, from small local schemes to large, gated projects valued at over £100 million
• Oversee consultation and engagement activity for the preparation of our WRMP, DWMP and Drought Plan
• Collaborate with Capital Delivery, Operations, Asset Strategy, Customer Communications, Press Office, Public Affairs and other teams to ensure alignment and consistency
• Represent Southern Water in joint projects with other water companies and regional planning bodies
• Build trusted relationships with environmental organisations, local authorities, community groups and industry partners
• Support planning applications, draft regulatory submissions and host site tours and stakeholder events
• Provide expert counsel to senior leaders and project teams on stakeholder sensitivities and opportunities
• Manage external agencies and contractors to support delivery

Major Accountabilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement for capital projects, including ‘large gated’ schemes valued over £100 million, ensuring strategic alignment and effective delivery across internal and external teams.
• Oversee consultation activity for statutory plans including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), Drought Plan and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP), supporting regulatory submissions and public engagement.
• Provide expert guidance to senior leaders and project teams using stakeholder mapping, local intelligence and insight to identify sensitivities and opportunities.
• Collaborate across functions including Corporate Affairs, Capital Delivery, Asset Strategy and external partners to deliver consistent, inclusive and multi‑channel communications.
• Support reactive engagement and reputation management, including site visits, briefings and participation in the communications on‑call rota.

What You Will Bring

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven success in leading engagement strategies for complex infrastructure or environmental projects
• Experience delivering consultation and engagement activities, ideally in the planning process for infrastructure projects
• Understanding of stakeholder dynamics in government, utilities, construction and planning sectors
• Experience influencing senior internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and elected officials
• Ability to manage reputational risk and navigate sensitive issues with professionalism and empathy
• Experience leading teams or cross‑functional projects
• Experience managing external partners or contractors

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, inclusive and engaging content
• Confident presenter and facilitator, adaptable to different audiences and settings
• Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills
• Resilient, empathetic and calm under pressure
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of water infrastructure and strategic planning in the South East. You will be part of a collaborative and purpose‑driven team, working to deliver environmental and societal change. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

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