Closing Date
2026-03-17
Job: Senior Delivery Manager – Data, AI & Automation
Location: Durrington, West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: salary to be discussed at screening stage
About the role
Digital is at the heart of Southern Water’s transformation. With Digital our Data, AI & Automation team play a pivotal role in reimagining how we serve our customers, protect the environment, and modernise our operations. This is a moment of real change and we are building a leadership team that embodies collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to people.
As a key member of our senior management team, you will take ownership not only of delivery, but of people. You will nurture talent, build an inclusive environment where individuals can grow, and help shape a department that feels supportive, innovative, and united behind a shared purpose.
Your work will bring meaningful digital products to life from analytics and insight tools to automation and AI solutions that directly empower colleagues and drive better customer outcomes. This is a leadership role where influence, empathy and strategic clarity come together to help guide the future of our Digital function.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to lead with purpose and elevate both people and performance, this role offers the space to make a genuine impact.
What you will be responsible for
1. Providing strategic leadership across the Data, AI & Automation function, steering delivery with clarity, compassion and confidence.
2. Leading the delivery of data, analytics and automation products that simplify work, improve customer experience and support informed decision‑making.
3. Acting as a senior leader within the department shaping priorities, supporting escalations and influencing at executive level.
4. Creating a people‑first culture by coaching, mentoring and developing a team of Scrum Masters and Delivery Analysts.
5. Managing multi‑million‑pound budgets responsibly, ensuring investment leads to meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
6. Championing data as a strategic organisational asset and promoting its value across Southern Water.
7. Setting and monitoring departmental KPIs to support transparency, alignment and delivery excellence.
8. Enhancing delivery methodologies, frameworks and tools to increase maturity and effectiveness.
Additional requirements
9. A passion for people leadership, team development and building psychologically safe environments.
10. Experience guiding teams through change or transformation.
11. Deep understanding of product‑led ways of working and how to embed them effectively.
12. Willingness to travel occasionally across sites to support team and stakeholder collaboration.
What you’ll bring to the role
Essential
13. Strong knowledge of Agile and Scrum principles, with experience transforming, leading and empowering delivery teams.
14. An inclusive and collaborative leadership style, with the ability to communicate with clarity and influence at all levels.
15. Proven experience delivering BI, data, analytics or automation products within a complex environment.
16. Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and vendor relationships.
17. A degree in Computer Science, Data Science or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
18. A commitment to fostering a positive team culture where individuals feel valued, supported and able to thrive.
Desirable
19. Agile or Scrum certifications.
20. Leadership or management qualifications.
21. Understanding of data governance, GDPR or risk management in digital/data environments.
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.
#LI-HM2
#LI-Hybrid