Closing Date
2025-04-30
Job Title: Head of Programme Delivery (T2ST/SESRO)
Location: Hybrid working between our office in Worthing or Falmer, and remotely from home. Due to the nature of the work you may be required to travel for stakeholder meetings on occasion.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: Competitive basic salary commensurate to experience + £500 monthly car allowance.
Job Overview
Southern Water are delighted to be recruiting for a newly created position to form part of our Major Projects Senior Leadership team!
Reporting into the Major Projects Director, our Head of Programme Delivery (T2ST/SESRO) will be accountable for the delivery of both the Thames to Southern Transfer pipeline project as well as the shareholder rep role in the SESRO project (a new reservoir being built in Abingdon). The role provides leadership to strategically manage safety, risk, monitor finances and ensure each phase of work is started or completed on time.
The role is accountable for the timely delivery of all elements of the scheme including:
1. The delivery of the SESRO Reservoir via Thames Water
2. The delivery of the water supply works at SESRO
3. The ~90km potable water pipeline from SESRO to the Southern Water network.
In support of delivery the role will need to manage not only the technical development but also deliver and integrate the following elements:
4. All commercial agreements associated with the reservoir which will regulate the construction, operation and maintenance of the reservoir and how it integrates into the overall scheme.
5. The delivery of the DPC scheme to fund, build and operate the water supply works and the T2ST pipeline, namely the tender, selection and award of the Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP). As part of this the role will include delivery of the successful negotiation of the associated construction and financing agreements
6. The successful delivery of the relevant planning process, i.e. a major development consent order. This will culminate in a lengthy (i.e. 4-6 months) and likely contentious public hearing.
In support of the above the Role will be accountable for managing the relationships with the suite of regulators (RAPID, OFWAT, EA, and DWI.
This role combines a blend of project, technical, financial and commercial leadership, partnered with an outcome focused mindset to the team. Most important, is the ability to integrate between these elements.
About You
We are keen to hear from applicants who have demonstrable experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects whilst leading complex delivery teams. You will be confident in commercial delivery of intricate schemes within highly regulated sectors and will be able to demonstrate excellent stakeholder management skills in order to negotiate favourable outcomes and engage & influence at Executive level.
The successful candidate will have a detailed understanding of, and experience in, managing programmes through the entire project lifecycle including feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
Experience within the water sector would be particularly advantageous.
Package
This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between our office in either Worthing or Falmer, and remote working from home. The nature of this role may mean you also need to travel for meetings and site visits on occasion.
We are offering a competitive salary, a £500 monthly car allowance as well as other benefits including:
• Bonus up to 20%
• Single cover Private Medical Insurance
• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
• Health benefits through a Cash Plan
• Two paid community volunteering days a year
• 25 days annual holiday
• Occupational health service
• Perkbox benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• We offer competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
Why 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.
At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.
This is more than a role; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.