SRO Senior Finance Business Partner
South West Water
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
South West Water is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner for the £4bn+ Strategic Resources Options programme. Based in Exeter or Bristol with hybrid working and full‑time hours, the role leads financial strategy and governance for major infrastructure decisions.
You will partner with regulatory, commercial and finance teams to ensure value for money, align with asset strategies, and drive robust budgeting, forecasting and risk management across the programme.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
- Extensive experience in major project finance environments.
- Strong background in PPP, PFI, DPC or comparable regulated delivery models.
- Proven experience of senior-level business partnering.
- Advanced financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting expertise.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver financial strategy for the SRO programme.
- Build and refine programme financial models including costs and funding.
- Lead financial input into procurement and regulatory processes.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders including Ofwat, investors and executive teams.
- Ensure financial governance, risk management and reporting are robust.
Skills
Education
Job description
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.
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.
Strategic Resource Options Programme
Exeter or Bristol HQ | Hybrid working | Full-time
Up to £90,000 per annum plus an excellent benefits package (experience dependent)
Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure
South West Water is delivering one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK—our £4bn+ Strategic Resources Options (SRO) programme. We are seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of this transformation.
This is an opportunity to influence major investment decisions, work alongside senior leaders, regulators, and investors, and help ensure long-term value for customers and communities.
As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will lead the financial activities supporting programme delivery, acting as a key link between corporate finance, regulatory frameworks, and commercial strategy.
You will work closely with the Commercial/Procurement Lead, Regulatory teams, and senior programme leaders to ensure financial integrity, strategic alignment, and value for money outcomes.
- Develop and deliver the financial strategy for the SRO programme
- Build, maintain and refine programme financial models, including construction costs, funding structures and risk scenarios
- Lead financial input into the DPC competitive procurement process, including bid evaluation and financial assessment
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders including Ofwat, investors, advisers and delivery partners
- Support affordability frameworks and value-for-money assessments
- Ensure compliance with Ofwat financial requirements and regulatory capital frameworks
- Support integration with price review processes and long-term asset strategies
- Establish and maintain strong financial governance, risk management and reporting processes
- Conduct financial risk assessments and maintain risk and opportunity registers
- Lead budgeting and forecasting processes aligned to programme objectives
- Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making
- Coordinate with internal and external audit teams on programme financial matters
- Act as the key finance link between the programme and South West Water Finance and Treasury teams
About you
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
- Extensive experience in major project finance environments
- Strong background in PPP, PFI, DPC or comparable regulated delivery models
- Proven experience of senior-level business partnering
- Advanced financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting expertise
- Experience within water infrastructure or AMP programmes
- Understanding of regulatory capital frameworks and asset valuation
- Strong commercial acumen
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing senior stakeholders including regulators, investors and executive teams
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate complex data into clear insight
- A proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency
- Be part of a nationally significant infrastructure programme
- Influence decisions that impact customers, communities and the environment
- Work with a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team
- Gain exposure to high-profile regulatory, commercial and financial strategy
At South West Water, We Believe In Rewarding Our People For Their Hard Work And Dedication. As Our Senior Finance Business Partner, On The SRO Programme, You'll Enjoy
- Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
- Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role
- Annual Bonus Scheme – Rewarding your performance
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future
- Healthcare Benefits – Access to private healthcare and employee assistance programs
- Professional Development – Support for career growth with training opportunities
- Employee Discounts – On various products and services
- Generous Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
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.
Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
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