Smart Project Manager

South West Water; Bristol; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in Bristol is seeking a project manager to oversee the Operate workstream within the Smart Metering transformation programme. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of metering technology, proven project management experience, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams. This role offers a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of £53,000-£60,000 and an extensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of metering technology and infrastructure.
• Proven project/programme management experience.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders in complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the Operate workstream within the Smart Metering transformation programme.
• Lead the definition and implementation of new operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with water resources, leakage teams, and other stakeholders.

Skills

Project/programme management

Metering technology

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Formal project management qualification

Job description

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the Operate workstream within the Smart Metering transformation programme, ensuring outcomes align with business and operational needs.
• Lead the definition and implementation of new operational capabilities to support the ongoing management of a large-scale smart meter estate.
• Collaborate with water resources, leakage teams, and other Operate stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into deliverable solutions.
• Work closely with programme teams, partners, and third parties to ensure effective integration and delivery of Operate requirements.
• Develop, manage, and maintain a workstream-specific project plan, ensuring alignment with overall programme milestones and dependencies.
• Ensure the organisation has the capability and processes in place to support smart meter connectivity, data flows, and PCD delivery.
• Coordinate with other project managers and business owners to ensure end-to-end processes reliant on smart meter data operate seamlessly.
• Shape and evolve the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and longer-term roadmap for Operate as smart capabilities mature.
• Own and deliver the Operate workstream communications plan, ensuring clear engagement across frontline teams, stakeholders, and leadership.

Qualifications & Skills

• Partner with HR and change teams to manage people impacts, support new ways of working, and embed sustainable operational change.
• Strong understanding of metering technology and infrastructure
• Data-driven mindset with solid analytics capability
• Proven project/programme management experience
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders in complex organisations
• Comfortable leading workshops and managing change
• Desirable: Formal project management qualification

What is in it for you

At Pennon Group, we're proud to be leading the way in the water and renewables industries. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power - we're committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we'll build a better tomorrow for our communities., Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values which are essential to our success are: Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

The role is offered on a full‑time, permanent basis, with a salary of £53,000-£60,000 per annum, plus a comprehensive benefits package.