Senior Finance Business Partner

Southern Water; Worthing; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company in Worthing is seeking three Senior Finance Business Partners to join its Finance team. These roles require expertise in financial planning and strategic influence, managing significant budgets. Candidates should have strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills, and experience in regulated environments. This is a permanent, full-time position with a hybrid working model. If you're passionate about making a difference in the water industry, apply today!

Benefits

Car allowance

Dynamic team environment

Impactful role in strategic decisions

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience and strong commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Experience in regulated environments and managing large budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and forecasting, ensuring targets are met.
• Provide timely, accurate financial and operational insights.
• Identify risks and opportunities, developing innovative solutions.
• Support investment decisions and business case development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, enforcing governance.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Ability to influence decisions

Education

Professional finance qualification

Job description

Closing Date
2026-01-04

Senior Finance Business Partner x3

Location: Durrington, Worthing (with travel to Falmer, Brighton as required)

Salary: £Attractive remuneration package (including car allowance)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: 37/week

Hybrid Working: Typically 2 days per week on-site (Mon-Wed)

About the Role

We have three exciting opportunities for Senior Finance Business Partners to join Southern Water's Finance team, supporting our Water, Waste, and Functions areas. These roles are pivotal in delivering financial strategies that underpin our business objectives and ensure efficiency across operational and capital expenditure.

As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll work closely with senior stakeholders, including Managing Directors and Heads of Finance, to provide robust financial planning, forecasting, and reporting. You'll influence strategic decisions, manage significant budgets (up to £350m Opex for Waste in Yr1), and help shape investment priorities for AMP8.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead financial planning and forecasting, ensuring targets are met.
• Provide timely, accurate financial and operational insights.
• Identify risks and opportunities, developing innovative solutions.
• Support investment decisions and business case development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, enforcing governance.
• Mentor and guide Finance Business Partners and manage a Cost Analyst (Water/Waste area only).
• Deputise for the Head of Finance as required.

What You'll Bring To The Role

Essential:

• Significant post-qualification experience and strong commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Experience in regulated environments and managing large budgets.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, constantly changing environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in utilities or public sector finance.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic team managing major operational and capital portfolios.
• Influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
• Work for a company with a clear purpose: delivering water for life.

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.

Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water‑and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you're inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don't need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.

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.