Developer Services Technical Manager

Southern Water; Worthing; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Technical Manager - Water based in Worthing, West Sussex. In this hybrid role, you will lead a team ensuring compliance in water and wastewater applications, improving service resilience and innovation.

The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, and a good understanding of water industry regulations. Join a team dedicated to transforming Britain’s water industry with significant planned investments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a customer-focused, target-driven environment.
• Good understanding of construction techniques relevant to water and wastewater.
• Experience in a regulated industry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team ensuring efficient assessment of applications.
• Oversee technical reviews by design partners.
• Engage with developers and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership for complex applications.

Skills

Leading and developing teams

Civil engineering design principles

Governance and compliance

Water industry standards

Job description

Closing Date: 2026-07-24

Job Title: Technical Manager - Water

Location: Worthing, West Sussex (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37, Monday to Friday

Salary: £48-52,000; depending on skills and experience

There has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. As we move through AMP8, we are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long‑term affordability for customers.

About The Role

To lead the effective management and delivery of developer-related water and wastewater applications (including Developers, New Appointments and Variations (NAVs), and Self‑Lay Providers (SLPs)), ensuring compliance with industry regulations, company standards, and agreed service levels.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Lead and manage a team of Technical Coordinators and Application Advisors, ensuring the efficient assessment, coordination, and approval of water and wastewater applications.
• Oversee the timely technical review of developer designs by approved design partners, ensuring compliance with Codes for Adoption, Water Industry Act requirements and Self‑lay accreditation standards.
• Represent Southern Water in engagement with developers, customers, NAVs, SLPs, and external stakeholders, ensuring the company’s technical and commercial position is effectively communicated and upheld.
• Provide technical leadership and support for complex or non‑standard developer applications, including identifying and guiding appropriate engineering solutions.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• Proven experience leading and developing teams within a customer‑focused, target‑driven environment.
• Good understanding of civil engineering design principles and construction techniques relevant to water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Demonstrable experience working within a regulated industry environment is essential, with an understanding of governance and compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of water industry standards, including Codes for Adoption, Building Regulations, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

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.

"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."

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

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.