Strategic Planning Programme Lead - Hybrid

Southern Water; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Strategic Planning Programme Manager to lead major strategic projects, including WRMP and DWMP, in a hybrid Durrington/Falmer setting. You will drive delivery, governance, and stakeholder engagement across functions to meet regulatory and business objectives.

The role requires senior programme management experience, strong leadership, and the ability to influence across a matrix organisation. A collaborative, proactive approach will be essential for success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project and programme management within complex delivery environments.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams in a matrix organisation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Project/programme management qualifications such as PRINCE2, APM, NEC, Lean Six Sigma, or MSP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more strategic planning workstreams or programmes from initiation to delivery.
• Coordinate across multiple functions and directorates, including estimating, scheduling, procurement, design, construction, assurance, communications, asset strategy, and frontline operations.
• Manage project governance, ensuring all deadlines and decision points are met, including design, delivery, financial, communication, assurance, and submission deadlines.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, issues, and dependencies to safeguard project success.
• Collaborate closely with workstream leads, senior management, and stakeholders to monitor progress and maintain clear, timely reporting.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships, influencing teams across the business.
• Facilitate meetings, problem-solve, and drive consensus to keep projects on track.
• Support assurance reviews and engage confidently with regulators.
• Mentor and coach individuals and teams to ensure effective implementation of the Strategic Planning delivery approach.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

PRINCE2 certification

APM qualification

MSP

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Southern Water is seeking a Strategic Planning Programme Manager to lead major strategic projects, including WRMP and DWMP, in a hybrid Durrington/Falmer setting. You will drive delivery, governance, and stakeholder engagement across functions to meet regulatory and business objectives.

The role requires senior programme management experience, strong leadership, and the ability to influence across a matrix organisation. A collaborative, proactive approach will be essential for success.