Strategic Planning Project Manager

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Strategic Planning Programme Manager to lead the delivery of key strategic projects that shape regulatory, customer, and business objectives.

You will oversee major programmes such as the Water Resources Management Plan, Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, Water Industry National Environment Plan, and long-term delivery strategies, ensuring on-time, on-budget, high-quality outcomes.

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.
• PM 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 delivery in complex envs

Matrix leadership

Stakeholder management & comms

Education

PRINCE2/APM/NEC/MSP certs

Job description

Closing Date

2026-10-30

Job Title

Strategic Planning Programme Manager

Location

Durrington/Falmer - Hybrid

Contract Type

Permanent

Hours

37

Salary

Up to £55k, depending on skills and experience

About The Role

We’re seeking a highly skilled Two Strategic Planning Project Managers to lead the delivery of key strategic projects vital to meeting regulatory, customer, and business objectives.

You’ll be at the heart of managing high-profile projects, including the Water Resources Management Plan, Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, Water Industry National Environment Plan, Long Term Delivery Strategies, and the PR29 Business Plan.

This is a critical leadership role requiring excellent project management expertise, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver complex workstreams on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

What You Will Be Responsible For

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical strategic initiatives that shape the future of water services.

You’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with the chance to influence key business decisions and develop your career.

• 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.

Essential

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 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.

Desirable

• Experience in regulatory project/programme delivery (WRMP/DP, DWMP, Price Review, WINEP, etc.)
• A good understanding of the water regulatory landscape and industry change following the Independent Water Commission Review.

"At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

Southern Water

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 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.

Additional Information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment.

Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.