Programme Manager

The Programme Manager is a leadership role whose purpose is to plan, manage and provide clear oversight and direction of assigned Capital Delivery Programmes.

The Programme Manager will ensure their Programmes and business objectives are accomplished within prescribed schedule and budget parameters.

The Programme Manager will Manage their Internal and External Stakeholders to promote the programmes, elevate issues for timely resolution and illicit help where needed.

The role is integral in delivering the step change in performance and efficiency required within the business, and as such will need to have a comprehensive understanding of programme delivery management, the ability to problem solve and drive teams to achieve consensus to maintain programme.

Working closely with peers across Southern Water directorates, business and partner organisations the programme manager will be responsible for delivering the outcomes required from their programmes safely, to time, quality and budget.

• Performance of water outcome-based programmes of up to £500m, involving simple to very complex scopes of work
• Being a key member of the Strategic Programme Leadership Team providing direction as appropriate
• Ensuring effective programme governance and assurance is in place using PMO process, procedures and business systems as appropriate
• Assignment of competent workstream, tranche and project management resources
• Leading, coaching, mentoring and motivating a team of professionals, setting objectives and goals
• Lead a collaborative and integrated team working with Delivery Partners to maximise efficiency opportunities
• Manage Delivery Partners NEC4 contracts to ensure efficient commercial management
• Supporting the project management teams in the development of the Workstream & Tranche Execution Plans including transforming business needs into Programmes and project sand ensuring projects are optimised and deliver on efficiency savings

_ Essential _

• A Full, UK Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle
• Chartered Project Professional ChPP
• Substantial experience in a utility programme and project delivery environment, with experience in delivering major projects and/or programmes and/or senior business/operational management roles
• NEC4 Project Managers Accreditation

_ Preferred _

• Chartered in Engineering or Water Industry/Infrastructure professional body

• Managing Successful Programmes practitioner certification

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.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not…